Gunmen abduct six Nigerian Law School students in Benue

Six students of the Nigerian Law School have been abducted by suspected gunmen in Benue State while travelling 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 route long plagued by kidnappings and armed attacks. The students were reportedly returning from Onitsha, Anambra State, after completing their mandatory court externship programme.

The abducted students have been identified as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David.

A fellow student, Damilare Adenola, who confirmed the incident, expressed concern over their safety. “Six students of the Nigerian Law School have been reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed bandits while travelling to resume school after their court externship break,” he said.

A student union leader at the Yola campus, speaking anonymously, stated that the abduction had been reported to authorities, though efforts were being complicated by jurisdictional issues. “We’ve been in contact with the Adamawa State Police Command, but were informed the incident occurred outside their jurisdiction,” the source said.

Adamawa State Police spokesperson, SP Yahaya Suleiman, confirmed awareness of the incident, stating it occurred within Benue territory. “We are in constant communication with the Benue State Police Command and other relevant security outfits. The safety of those travelling into or out of Adamawa is a top priority,” Suleiman said.

Efforts to reach Benue State Police spokesperson, SP Anene Catherine, were unsuccessful as of press time. Calls and messages to her line went unanswered, leaving families and colleagues of the kidnapped students increasingly anxious.