Three of the kidnapped Greenfield University, Kaduna students have been killed by bandits who took them and others away two days ago.
A statement by the Kaduna State government confirmed the killings.
The statement by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State on Friday reads in full:
“Armed bandits shoot three abducted university students dead
“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 armed bandits on Tuesday night kidnapped an unspecified number of students at the institution located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA.
“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.
“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. He went on to say that the armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent.
“Evil, the Governor further said, would not triumph over God-given humanity. He 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.”
There were media reports quoting family members of the students as saying that the bandits had been torturing the students and asking for about N20 million per head.
While the government continues to say the number abducted was unspecified, other reports put the figure at 23, comprising of 14 female students, male students, and other staff. One staff was killed on the night of the abduction.