Gunmen have abducted seven students of the University of Jos, according to the police.

DSP Alfred Alabo, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Police Command, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos.

According to Alabo, the students were abducted on Monday night from their hostel located outside the campus

He explained that they were reading for their second semester examinations that commenced on Tuesday when their abductors whisked them away.

“It is true that seven students of the University of Jos were abducted by some criminal elements. They were picked up on Monday at about 8:30 pm at their hostel, along Bauchi Ring Road in Jos North Local Government Area.

“The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bartholomew Onyeka, has deployed armed police personnel to arrest the kidnappers and ensure the safe release of the abducted students.

“Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and [other] security agencies have also deployed their personnel for search-and-rescue operations,” he said.

Alabo advised students and residents of the area to remain calm, insisting that security agencies are working assiduously towards ensuring the safe return of the hostages.