Gunmen have reportedly demanded ₦20 million for each of the six Nigerian Law School students abducted in Benue State while traveling from Onitsha, Anambra, to the institution’s Yola campus in Adamawa.
The kidnapping allegedly occurred late Saturday along a route between Wukari in Taraba State and an area of Benue notorious for attacks on travelers. The students were on their way back to school after a court externship break, as the Yola campus was set to resume academic activities on Monday.
Damilare Adenola, a student at the Yola campus, confirmed the incident, identifying the missing individuals as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David.
According to him, reports indicate that the kidnappers have since contacted families and colleagues to demand ransom payments.
Another student, Chisom, described how he initially doubted the news until he tried to reach some of the victims:
“I called three of them, but their phones were switched off. When I tried one number again, someone answered. Amid background noise, I heard him shout that he had been kidnapped and pleaded for ₦20 million for his release.”
Chisom added that a classmate in Yenagoa had already been informed by the wife of one victim days earlier, confirming the abduction took place in Benue.
A student leader at the Yola campus, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the case, said the matter had been reported to the police:
“We’ve contacted the Adamawa State Police Command and are awaiting further updates. There’s no concrete information yet.”
Adamawa police spokesperson Yahaya Suleiman acknowledged awareness of the incident but clarified that it happened outside their jurisdiction:
“This occurred in Benue State. We are working with their police command to secure the students’ release. Our collaboration extends to other security agencies to ensure those entering Adamawa are safe.”
Attempts to reach Benue State Police PRO Anene Catherine, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.
