Kidnappers abduct unknown number of Nigerian university students

Kidnappers killed one person and took an unknown number of students from a university in northwest Nigeria's restive Kaduna state, in the latest in a series of abductions at educational institutes.

Armed groups have repeatedly struck northern Nigerian schools and universities since December, abducting more than 700 students for ransom.

The government and security forces have largely been unable to stop the attacks as they struggle to contain worsening violence and criminality across the West African country.

The armed kidnappers came on foot and struck Greenfield University in Kaduna at around 8:15 pm (1915 GMT) on Tuesday, state police spokesman Mohammed Jalige said by telephone.

"One of the staff of the university was shot dead, but the number of students abducted is not yet ascertained," said Jalige, adding that police should know the number later on Wednesday.

A university staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers had seized 17 male students.

Greenfield University could not immediately be reached for comment.