Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a female student of Plateau State University, Bokkos, while another person sustained gunshot injuries during an attack on an off-campus residential area.
According to LEADERSHIP, the incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The abducted victim was identified as a first-year student of the university.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students living outside the university campus.
Gunmen abduct student outside university campus
A student who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity explained that the victim was abducted while she was out with another female student.
“Yes, the student was taken away by the attackers last night, and we have not seen her since then. She lives off campus, but I don’t know her personally,” the student said.
The student expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area and urged security agencies to ensure the victim’s safe release.
The identity of the abducted student was not disclosed.
University confirms awareness of attack
A member of the university community, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the institution was aware of the reported incident.
“The university is aware of a reported shooting incident in one of the off-campus student residential areas. This would be the second such incident in four weeks,” he said.
The official acknowledged that the attack occurred outside the university’s immediate security jurisdiction.
However, he maintained that threats to students living in surrounding communities remained a serious concern.
Plateau university faces accommodation challenges
The university official explained that the institution had been making efforts to provide secure accommodation for students.
He disclosed that the school could currently accommodate approximately 1,000 students in its residential facilities despite having nearly 20,000 students.
The official attributed the accommodation shortage to financial constraints.
He also acknowledged the support of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in improving the institution’s infrastructure.
The university promised to continue engaging relevant authorities to improve security and expand student accommodation.
Police response awaited
Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful when the original report was filed.
No arrests or confirmed rescue operation had been announced in the report.
The incident adds to concerns about attacks affecting university communities and students living outside secured campuses.
