A human rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, to collaborate with their counterparts in Benue and Taraba states to rescue six abducted Anambra-born law students. The students were kidnapped by suspected gunmen while traveling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to the Yola campus of the Nigerian Law School in Adamawa State on Saturday, July 26.
The abducted students have been identified as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David. According to reports, the students were on their way to resume academic activities at the Yola campus after their court externship break when they were abducted between Benue and Taraba states. A fellow law student, Damilare Adenola, confirmed the incident via a phone call, stating that the students were reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed bandits.
The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N120 million, N20 million for each student, in exchange for their release. The human rights group has strongly condemned the abduction and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the students. In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group urged Governor Soludo to join forces with the police and other relevant agencies to ensure the safe return of the students.
The group emphasized that Anambra State cannot afford to lose these six young and brilliant lawyers, whose future values and importance to the state are invaluable. They also called on the authorities of the Nigerian Law School to intervene in the matter and pressure the Nigerian security agencies to rescue the students. The abduction has raised concerns about the safety of students and travelers in the region.
The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the abduction but clarified that the incident did not occur within their jurisdiction. The command is collaborating with the Benue State Police Command to ensure the safe return of the students. The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, Yahaya Suleiman, assured the public that both commands are working closely to secure the release of the students.
