Six students of the Faculty of Engineering at the Gudi Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), alongside a visitor, have been kidnapped by unidentified armed men in Akwanga Local Government Area  of the State.

The Nasarawa state Police command which confirmed the incident through a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, on Thursday said the incident occurred at off-campus lodge in Anguwar Ninzo, Gudi, Akwanga LGA on Wednesday night.

​According to Nansel, the Command was alerted via a distress call that the assailants reportedly moved through the lodge, located in a predominantly student-populated neighborhood, before forcefully taking the victims to an unknown destination.

​“So far, six victims have been identified, all of whom are students of the Faculty of Engineering, Gudi Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, alongside one other victim who was reportedly visiting one of the students at the time of the incident” , SP Nansel stated.

​The PPRO explained that, in a swift response to the security breach, the Commissioner of Police in the State , CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene.

He said, the Commissioner while addressing residents of the area and the university community, vowed that the Command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the students return safely .

​“The Commissioner of Police has reassured students, residents, and the university community of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted victims,” the statement noted.

​He said to bolster the search-and-rescue efforts, the CP has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Area Commander, Akwanga, to the field to lead the coordination of operations.

“A multi-agency task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been mobilised.

​“A combined security team has been deployed to intensify efforts aimed at tracking down the abductors, rescuing the victims unhurt, and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Nansel added.

​The Police Command has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant. Residents with information that could assist the tactical units and vigilante groups currently combing the surrounding forests are encouraged to report to the nearest security agency.

​The university management is yet to issue an official statement on the incidence at the time of filing this report.