On April 1, 2024, a group of unknown attackers kidnapped two Federal University Wukari students from a dining hall on the university’s campus.

The gunmen demanded a ransom of N50 million for the two students (the equivalent of about $31,500 USD). According to a university administrator, a ransom of N700 thousand ( the equivalent to about $440 USD) was paid. The students were released nearly two weeks later, on April 12.

This incident appears to fit a pattern of attacks and kidnappings targeting schools and universities in Nigeria. Sources have frequently described groups of “bandits” kidnapping students and staff in pursuit of ransom.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the abduction of higher education students. State authorities should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of scholars, students, and staff, including by investigating and holding perpetrators of such acts responsible, in line with international human rights standards. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, kidnappings that target members of the higher education community undermine the conditions needed for the meaningful exercise of the right to education and academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://punchng.com/abducted-taraba-varsity-students-regain-freedom/
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/682683-two-university-students-kidnapped-in-taraba.html
https://dailypost.ng/2024/04/02/unknown-gunmen-abduct-two-fuw-students-in-taraba/