Fear gripped the Federal University of Lafia community after gunmen abducted three students from an off-campus lodge, prompting a major security operation that has already led to the rescue of one victim.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, revealing that the students were kidnapped on Tuesday night at Living Seed Lodge, located in a bushy area on the outskirts of the students’ residential community in Lafia.
Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel said the university’s Chief Security Officer alerted the command at about 9:20 p.m., reporting that armed men had stormed the area and taken away three students.
Following the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the immediate deployment of tactical teams, patrol operatives and other security personnel to the scene. A coordinated search-and-rescue operation was launched across the surrounding forest.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of one of the abducted students, while efforts continue to locate and free the remaining two victims. Police said security operatives are also working to track down and arrest those behind the attack.
CP Mohammed instructed all operational and intelligence units to sustain pressure on the kidnappers until the remaining students are rescued safely. He reaffirmed the command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the ongoing operation. Members of the public were urged to immediately report any suspicious persons or unusual activities to the nearest police station.
The latest abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of students living in off-campus accommodation, particularly in isolated areas surrounding tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
