Panic gripped residents of Gudi in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after armed men abducted six students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, alongside another victim during a late-night attack on an off-campus hostel.
The abduction, which occurred around 9pm on Wednesday at Anguwar Ninzo area of Gudi, has triggered a joint rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that six of the victims were students of the Faculty of Engineering at the university’s Gudi campus. He also confirmed that another person found at the lodge was equally taken away.
The incident has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity around tertiary institutions and student communities in parts of the country.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Mohammed, reportedly visited the scene of the attack for an on-the-spot assessment and assured residents that security operatives were intensifying efforts to rescue the victims safely.
The police spokesman added that a coordinated operation involving the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military personnel, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilantes and other tactical teams had commenced in search of the abductors.
According to him, the Area Commander in Akwanga has also been redeployed to strengthen and coordinate operations in the affected area.
SP Nansel appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
The latest incident comes amid rising cases of kidnappings and attacks on schools and communities across several parts of the country.
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