Fear and anxiety have gripped the community of Nasarawa State University following the reported abduction of no fewer than eight students from the institution’s Engineering Campus in Gudi by suspected gunmen.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday when armed attackers invaded off-campus student hostels located around the university environment at about 1:00 a.m.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed several student accommodations, forcefully gaining access to rooms before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.
The attack, which reportedly lasted several minutes, left many students traumatised as residents and students scampered for safety amid gunshots and panic within the community.
Sources within the area disclosed that students remained awake throughout the night following the incident, while many expressed concerns over what they described as the absence of immediate security intervention during the operation.
One source, who spoke anonymously, said students hid in fear as the attackers carried out the operation unchecked.
“As the shooting and shouting were going on, students were crying and hiding in fear. There was no visible security response while the operation lasted,” the source revealed.
The development has further heightened security concerns around tertiary institutions in parts of the country, especially in communities where students reside off-campus due to accommodation shortages.
As of the time of filing this report, tension reportedly remained high around the university environment, particularly as students are currently writing examinations.
Students and residents have since called on security agencies and the Nasarawa State Government to urgently intensify rescue efforts and strengthen security presence around the institution and neighbouring communities.
Concerns have also been raised about the vulnerability of students living in privately owned hostels outside university premises, with many demanding improved surveillance and emergency response systems around campuses.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the university management and security agencies were unsuccessful as authorities had yet to release an official statement regarding the attack at the time of this report.
The incident adds to growing worries over insecurity affecting educational institutions across Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and attacks on students have continued to threaten academic activities and student welfare.
Parents, guardians, and stakeholders have also appealed to the Federal and State Governments to prioritise the protection of students and educational communities to prevent further attacks capable of disrupting learning and endangering lives.
