Gunmen have killed three of the 20 students kidnapped from Greenfield University, Kasarami, Kaduna state, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan has confirmed.
The 20 students and three staff including a matron were kidnapped from the school premises at Km34 Kaduna-Abuja highway on Tuesday night. A porter was also shot dead during the operation for attempting to prevent the abduction by locking the gate to the male hostel.
According to Aruwan, the armed bandits shot three of the abducted university students dead and dumped their bodies at Kwanan Bature Village, a location close to the University.
“In an act of mindless evil and sheer wickedness, the armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students.
“The remains of three students were found today (Friday), in Kwanan Bature Village, a location close to the University and have been evacuated to a mortuary by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Force Commander, Operation Thunder Strike, Lt. Col. MH Abdullahi,” Aruwan said.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai has condemned the killing of three students as “sheer wickedness, inhumanity and an outright desecration of human lives by vile entities. The armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent. Evil would not triumph over God-given humanity”.
The Governor appealed to citizens to “come together against the forces of darkness challenging national security and the very existence of the Nigerian state”.
The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Kaduna state sent deep condolences and empathy to the students’ families and the University community, as he prayed for the repose of their souls. The Government will keep citizens informed of further developments.