Six Students Abducted in Midnight Attack on Nasarawa University Community
A security breach that led to the abduction of six students from the Faculty of Engineering, Gudi Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has renewed concerns over child and young adult protection in tertiary education environments, with safeguarding experts warning that students remain exposed to avoidable risks in poorly secured residential areas.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night when suspected gunmen invaded a students’ lodge at Anguwar Ninzo in Gudi, on the outskirts of the community, and whisked away six students and a visiting guest. The attack has triggered a manhunt by security agencies and raised urgent questions about the safety of learners living off-campus.
According to the Nasarawa State Police Command, the abduction was reported around 9 pm following a distress call from the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that security forces, including the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante groups, have been mobilised for a coordinated rescue operation.
From a child protection and safeguarding perspective, the incident highlights growing vulnerabilities faced by students who, though legally adults in many cases, still fall within the broader framework of youth protection in educational settings. Safeguarding advocates argue that universities have a duty of care to ensure that students are not exposed to unsafe accommodation environments without adequate security measures.
The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has visited the scene and assured the public of intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. However, education stakeholders say repeated incidents of campus-adjacent abductions point to systemic gaps in surveillance, emergency response, and residential safety planning.
Experts emphasize the need for stronger collaboration between universities, local authorities, and security agencies to implement preventive safeguarding measures, including secure hostels, improved lighting, and rapid response systems.
As rescue operations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen protective structures around learning communities to ensure students can pursue education without fear of violence or abduction.
