Three federal university students kidnapped in Nasarawa

Three federal university students were kidnapped from an off-campus hostel in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, according to reports from the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia). The incident occurred at Sure Leaders Lodge in the Bukan Kwato area late on Saturday evening, around 8:45 p.m., when three 100-level students were taken. A student who requested anonymity for security reasons confirmed the abduction, describing the circumstances as sudden and unexplained. As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been released by the police, though the SUG had already confirmed the incident and initiated coordination with local authorities. The SUG issued a public safety notice on Sunday, confirming the abduction and stating that its leadership had convened meetings with the District Head and other relevant officials. The union emphasized collaboration with the university administration to enhance security protocols and ensure the safety of all students. In the notice, signed by SUG President Jabir Ibrahim and Secretary-General Ibrahim Aliyu, students were urged to remain calm and avoid unnecessary movement, especially during unusual hours. They were also advised to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities or the SUG itself. The union expressed hope for the safe return of the abducted students, adding that the situation would be monitored closely. This is the second such abduction involving FULafia students in under three weeks. On 8 July 2026, three students were kidnapped from Living Seed Lodge, another off-campus hostel near the university campus. At that time, the state police command confirmed the incident via its spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, who stated that the report came from the university's Chief Security Officer. Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed ordered the deployment of tactical units and other security forces to conduct a search-and-rescue operation. One of the students was eventually rescued, while efforts to locate the others and apprehend the perpetrators continued. The repeated abductions have raised alarm among students and residents regarding the safety of individuals staying in private hostels, particularly in areas adjacent to dense vegetation where criminal elements have historically operated. These incidents coincide with ongoing security challenges in Nasarawa State, where law enforcement and military forces have conducted operations targeting kidnapping rings, armed groups, and illicit arms dealers. Although several suspects have been arrested and some victims rescued, isolated attacks persist along key roads and in certain rural and semi-urban regions. Residents and students have increasingly called for intensified security presence around off-campus accommodations and vulnerable neighborhoods to deter future attacks. However, as of now, there is no indication that the current kidnappers have made contact with the victims' families or issued any ransom demands. The lack of communication from the perpetrators adds to the uncertainty surrounding the case. Security concerns in Nasarawa State have grown in recent months due to the persistence of criminal networks despite government efforts. While police and military authorities have claimed progress in disrupting these groups, the frequency of abductions suggests that the threat remains significant. The latest incident has once again brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by students residing outside the main university campus, where security infrastructure is often limited. The SUG has pledged to maintain close cooperation with local leaders and the university administration to address the immediate risks and improve long-term safety measures. Meanwhile, the police have not yet commented officially on the new abduction, leaving many questions unanswered. The situation continues to unfold, with updates expected as more information becomes available from both the authorities and the affected parties.