The Nasarawa State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) from an off-campus hostel along Awe Road, near the temporary campus of the institution in Akunza, Lafia.
One of the abducted students was rescued, and an intensive search-and-rescue operation was underway to free the other two victims and arrest the gunmen, the police said.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the command received a distress call over the incident at about 9:21 pm.
He said the gunmen stormed the students’ residence and knocked on the door before gaining access into the building.
“What happened is that the students were at home when the gunmen came. “They knocked on the door and entered,” Nansel said.
The police spokesperson said that the off-campus hostel was located in a secluded area near the university’s temporary campus.
According to him, the residence was situated behind a high tension power line and close to a bush path leading to Awe town, which he described as vulnerable due to its proximity to the bush.
“That place is near the bush. There is a gate there; whether you push it with your foot or your hand, it will open,” said Nansel.
A police spokesperson said that kidnappers operating around the area often take the high-tension power corridor and cattle routes to escape into the forest surrounding the area after abducting their victims.
“Most of the time when the kidnappers abduct someone they follow the high tension line, pass through that area and head into the bush,” he added.
Police Rescue: An Student
Nansel said that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, on receiving the distress call immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and patrol operatives to the scene.
Personnel were dispatched to the scene and surrounding forest to conduct a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, he said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and patrol operatives to the scene for a coordinated search and rescue operation in the surrounding forest.
“The prompt response led to the rescue of one of the abducted students while efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe release of the two remaining victims in captivity and the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The CP has directed all operational and intelligence assets of the Command to continue the operation until the remaining victims are rescued unharmed,” Nansel said.
The police spokesperson said operatives were already on the trail of the abductors as the search continues in the surrounding areas.
Nansel also advised students to avoid renting accommodation in secluded and vulnerable locations because of cheaper rent.
Students who are temporarily living around the university should consider getting together to find accommodation in safer and more populated areas, rather than living alone in isolated buildings, he said.
“It’s not a place for anybody to live. People want to find a place to stay that doesn’t cost much. “Instead of living alone, as it is only a temporary stay, combine your resources or contribute to pay a single house,” he said.
The Nasarawa State Police Command had called on residents and members of the public who have credible information on the abductors or whereabouts of the remaining students to assist security agencies.
It ensured that the operational and intelligence efforts would continue until the two students still in captivity were rescued unharmed and the perpetrators arrested.