By DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia –
For several hours, on Thursday, travellers along Lafia-Makurdi federal express-way were held hostage by students of Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), who protested over the kidnap of 10 fellow students.
The students were kidnapped by suspected kidnappers at their off-campus lodge in Gandu village, a suburb of Lafia, opposite the institution on Wednesday night at about 11pm.
The unfortunate incident is coming few weeks after 5 students of the institution were kidnapped by gunmen, which prompted Gov Abdullahi Sule, of Nasarawa State, to visit the institution.
The Public Relation Officer of the university Abubakar Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident, explained that at the moment the total number of students abducted is yet to be ascertained.
“It is too early to ascertain the exact number of students because those affected are not living within the school premising but off campus. From available information, the number of students abducted is between three to five”
The Public Relations Officer of Police (PPRO), Nasarawa State Command, who confirmed the development said, “the command has tried to get facts and identity of the victims but to no avail thus, we are finding it difficult to authenticate”
One of the protesting students of Federal University Lafia (FULafia)
Statistics available shows that more than 15 students of the university had been kidnapped this semester with huge ransome paid amidst harsh economy reality.
In the meantime, students of the university took to streets to protest over the incessant cases of kidnapping and armed robbery at their off campus hostels.
The students were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions and demanding the unconditional release of their kidnapped schoolmates.
The protesting students also demanded for an end to the lingering insecurity in the university environment, stating that they have had enough.
Travellers playing the express way were forced to take dusty road from Gandu through Wakwa, to Gimare and busted at the Living Faith Church, along Makurdi road, Lafia.
Hundreds of students including staff of FULafia resides in Gandu due to its proximity to the permanent site of the University.
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