The abductors of six Nigerian Law School students have reportedly issued a grave threat to execute the hostages if their escalating ransom demands are not met.
The students were kidnapped along the Benue-Taraba highway on Saturday, July 26, while travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to resume studies at the Nigerian Law School campus in Yola, Adamawa State. They were returning from a court externship and were expected to begin lectures on Monday, July 28.
According to fellow student Damilare Adenola, the victims have been identified as Rev. Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David.
A student leader at the Yola campus disclosed that the last contact with the victims occurred shortly before they entered a dangerous stretch between Benue and Nasarawa states.
Initial reports indicated the abductors demanded ₦20 million per victim. However, sources now say the ransom has increased to ₦50 million each. The kidnappers also reportedly threatened to kill the students if the money is not paid promptly.
“They warned us not to involve the police. They said if we want them alive, we must cooperate and remain silent,” said a source familiar with a phone conversation between one of the captives and the attackers.
The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the abduction and stated that it is collaborating with its Benue counterpart in efforts to locate and rescue the students. Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of press time.
