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Date: July 27, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
LAFIA, Nigeria — Three 100-level students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have been abducted after suspected gunmen attacked an off-campus student lodge in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. The latest kidnapping has heightened fears over student safety and renewed concerns about rising insecurity around tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The students were kidnapped at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday when armed men stormed Sure Leaders Lodge, located in the Bukan Kwato area of Lafia. Witnesses said the attackers invaded the lodge and forcibly took the students before fleeing the scene.
A student who spoke anonymously for security reasons confirmed the incident, saying the victims were taken during the raid on the lodge. The identities of the abducted students have not been officially released.
The Students' Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University of Lafia confirmed the abduction in a public safety notice issued on Sunday. The union said it had immediately engaged traditional authorities, security agencies, and the university management in efforts to secure the students' safe release.
In a statement signed by SUG President Jabir Ibrahim and Secretary-General Ibrahim Aliyu, the union urged students to remain calm while rescue efforts continue.
"The Students' Union leadership has met with the District Head and relevant authorities and is collaborating with the University Management on security measures," the statement said.
The union also advised students to exercise greater caution, particularly when moving around at night.
"Your safety is our top priority. Remain calm, stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, especially at odd hours, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities or the Students' Union," the statement added.
The incident is the second reported kidnapping involving FULafia students in July. Earlier this month, three other students were abducted from Living Seed Lodge, another off-campus accommodation located on the outskirts of the university community. During that incident, police rescued one student while continuing efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Following the earlier kidnapping, the Nasarawa State Police Command said it had deployed tactical teams, patrol officers, and other security personnel after receiving a distress call from the university's Chief Security Officer. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the latest abduction, but security agencies are reportedly searching for the gunmen.
The repeated attacks have raised alarm among students, parents, and university staff, many of whom are calling for increased security around student hostels and off-campus residences. Student leaders have also appealed to the state government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance in areas where students live.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a persistent security challenge in parts of Nigeria, with educational institutions increasingly affected in recent years. While several rescue operations have succeeded in freeing abducted students, attacks on schools and student accommodations continue to generate widespread concern.
As investigations continue, the Students' Union expressed hope that the three abducted students would be safely reunited with their families. Authorities have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist security agencies in locating the victims and apprehending those responsible for the attack.