Armed gunmen on Thursday abducted eight students from off campus hostels near the Engineering Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in Gudi, triggering widespread fear among residents and students in the early hours of the morning.

The attackers struck at approximately 1:00 a.m., forcing their way into multiple student accommodations before taking the victims to an unknown destination. The operation, which lasted several minutes, sent students and residents scrambling for safety amid gunshots and chaos within the community.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen moved from room to room, forcefully gaining entry before whisking the victims away. One source, who spoke anonymously, revealed that no security intervention was recorded throughout the duration of the attack.

"As the shooting and shouting were going on, students were crying and hiding in fear. There was no visible security response while the operation lasted," the source stated.

Students reportedly remained awake throughout the night following the incident, with many expressing deep concern over the absence of an immediate security presence during the operation. The timing of the attack has compounded anxiety further, as students are currently in the middle of their examination period, adding disruption to an already distressed community.

The abduction has renewed urgent calls for government intervention, with students, residents, and stakeholders appealing to the Nasarawa State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen surveillance around the institution and surrounding communities.

Broader concerns have also been raised about the safety of students living in privately owned hostels outside university premises, a situation largely driven by accommodation shortages that leave many students without the protection of campus security infrastructure.

Authorities had not released an official statement at the time of this report, as efforts to reach university management and security agencies for confirmation were unsuccessful.

The incident adds to a troubling pattern of attacks targeting students across Nigeria, where kidnappings affecting educational communities have continued to threaten academic activities and endanger lives. Parents, guardians, and stakeholders have appealed to both the Federal and Nasarawa State Governments to treat student protection as a national priority and prevent further attacks on campuses and their neighbouring communities.