Suspected bandits on Tuesday morning struck at the staff quarters of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) and abducted a professor of Economics, Obansa Joseph, two of his children, among others.

A source and resident of the quarters, who pleaded anonymity, said the bandits invaded the senior staff quarters at Giri in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at 1 a.m on Tuesday and operated for about an hour.

The names of the professor’s two children who were also abducted could not be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

According to Premium Times, the other victims included those who were simply recognised by the source as “Barrister John, Fidelis and Mallam Sambo.”

The university’s spokesman, Habib Yakoob, confirmed the development, saying the victims are about six in number.

“Yes, I just confirmed that the information is true. Apart from the professor and his children, a non-academic staffer was also involved. They are about six victims,” Mr Yakoob said.

He, however, added that security operatives have been mobilised to secure their freedom.

“They are on their trail,” the spokesman said on the phone.

The victim, Mr Obansa, is described as a “distinguished economist of repute”.

He is currently a sitting Professor of Economics at the university and a Visiting Professor of Economics at Veritas University, also in Abuja.