Gunmen have abducted several students of the Faculty of Engineering, Gudi Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), after attacking a students’ off-campus lodge in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The attack occurred on Tuesday, at about 9:00 p.m. in Anguwar Ninzo, on the outskirts of Gudi town.

The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, saying the armed attackers stormed the lodge and whisked the students away to an unknown destination.

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According to the police, six of the abducted victims have been identified as students of the university’s Faculty of Engineering, while another victim was reportedly visiting one of the students at the time of the attack.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and assured residents, students and the university community that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the victims.

“To ensure a more coordinated and robust operation, the Commissioner of Police has redeployed the Area Commander, Akwanga, to oversee all tactical and operational activities in the area pending the safe rescue of the abducted students,” the statement said.

The Command disclosed that a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups and other tactical units had been launched to intensify rescue efforts.

Police said security operatives are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities to track down the abductors, rescue the victims unharmed and bring those responsible to justice.

The Command appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant, while urging anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or any security agency.

It added that further updates would be communicated as investigations and rescue operations progress.