Six students of the Nigerian Law School were abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Benue State while traveling to resume academic activities at the institution’s Yola Campus in Adamawa State. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, along the volatile Wukari-Benue border axis, a highway notorious for kidnappings, armed robbery, and sporadic attacks by criminal groups. The abducted students were identified as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David.
The students were traveling from Onitsha, Anambra State, after completing their mandatory court externship program, ahead of the resumption of academic activities scheduled for Monday, July 28. They were reportedly traveling in a vehicle operated by AJ Dan Pullo Transport Company, a commercial transport firm based in Onitsha. According to a fellow student, Johnson, the kidnappers have contacted families of the victims and are demanding a ransom of N20 million for their release.
The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the incident, but clarified that it occurred outside the state’s territory. The command’s spokesperson, SP Yahaya Suleiman, said efforts were ongoing across state lines to secure the safe return of the students. A student union leader at the Yola campus, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that the abduction had been reported to the authorities and expressed concern about the safety of the students.
The Wukari-Benue axis, where the kidnapping is suspected to have taken place, has long been flagged as a high-risk corridor due to recurring incidents of abduction and violent crime. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of students and travelers in the region. The authorities have yet to release an official statement on the matter, but efforts are believed to be underway to secure the release of the abducted students.
The abduction of the six law students has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, with many calling for urgent action to ensure their safe release. The incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect students and travelers in the region. As the situation unfolds, families and friends of the abducted students are anxiously waiting for their safe return.
