MAKURDI, Nigeria (BN24) — Six students of the Nigerian Law School traveling to the institution’s Yola campus in Adamawa State have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits, officials confirmed Sunday. The abduction occurred on Saturday evening, July 26, along the dangerous Wukari-Benue highway, a stretch of road plagued by repeated incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, and criminal attacks.
The victims, who were heading to resume academic activities following the completion of their court externship in Onitsha, Anambra State, were intercepted while approaching the Benue-Taraba border region. They were en route to the Yola campus, which is scheduled to reopen for the new academic session on Monday, July 28.
The abducted law students have been identified as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David. Their disappearance has triggered widespread concern among legal professionals and academic institutions.
Spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Yahaya Suleiman, confirmed the incident but clarified that the abduction occurred outside Adamawa’s jurisdiction. “The incident happened near the Benue border, not within Adamawa territory. We’ve established the probable location and are working closely with the Benue State Police Command,” Suleiman said.
Security agencies are coordinating across state lines in a bid to locate and rescue the victims. “We are in active communication with sister commands and security outfits. Ensuring the safety of those traveling into or out of Adamawa remains a critical priority,” Suleiman added.
In a new development, the kidnappers have reportedly contacted the families of the abducted students, demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for each of the six victims. That brings the total demand to ₦120 million. Families are now in a desperate scramble to raise the funds, as pressure mounts on the authorities to act swiftly.
The Wukari-Benue corridor, long known for criminal activity, has again come under scrutiny, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures on major inter-state highways. The Nigerian Law School and concerned stakeholders have yet to release an official statement, but growing calls from civil society and legal bodies are demanding immediate government intervention to prevent a recurrence.
As rescue efforts intensify, the safety and swift return of the abducted students remain the foremost concern for families and officials alike.
Credit: Punching.com
