From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen have abducted four female students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, (JOSTUM).
Our correspondent gathered that the students were kidnapped at the university premises at about 8:30 on Tuesday.
The victims are: Emmanuella Oraka, in a wrapper dress, Fola in yellow top, Susan in flower top and Ella in black top.
A senior staff member in the school, who preferred anonynimity confirmed the incident.
The source said the students were going to read that night when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point at the North Core area of the school campus.
Meanwhile the news of their kidnap immediately sparked wild protests from the students,who matched round the school with tree branches in their hand demanding immediate action from the school authorities.
The students, in a video clip making the rounds on social media, were heard chanting “No security, No security.”
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Catherine Anene said that only two students were kidnapped.
As at the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the institution as the Vice Chancellor and the PRO promised to get back with details.
Meanwhile the school management has shut the university campus for one week to enable them contain and address the security situation in the school.
The decision was taken after four female students of the institution were reportedly abducted by the gunmen
In response to the development, the University Management has condemned the incident in its entirety saying the Government and the Security Agencies have been duly informed on the unfortunate incident.
In solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted students, the management immediately urged all students to proceed on one week break to enable them address the security challenges on Campus.
The statement signed by the school’s registrar, John U. David reads:”Sequel to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Campus, Tuesday, 25 February, 2025 at about 8:00pm where unknown armed men abducted three students between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core, the University Management after series of consultative meetings with Security Agencies and stakeholders condemns the action in its entirety.
“That all staff, students and the general public are enjoined to remain calm as security agencies are working tirelessly to effect the release of the abducted students.
“That the Inaugural Lecture scheduled for today, 26th February, 2025, is postponed indefinitely.
“That the University Management in solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted students, granted a one-week mid-semester break to all students, so as to adequately address the security challenges on Campus.”
“Consequently, all students are to vacate their hostels before 4:00pm on Wednesday, 26th February, 2025.”
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU-FUAM), has condemned in strong terms, the criminal act on innocent students of the University.
The Chairman ASUU-FUAM, Comrade Paul Anyagh, in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen, said while the students were being kidnapped, their members were not being spared.
The statement read, “The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi has been greeted with yet another wave of insecurity following the kidnap of three students of the University on the evening of February 25, 2025.
“With what has happened, the union is not sure that its members will be safe on campus given that this incident is one too many.
Anyah recalled that a member of their union was kidnapped at the University staff quarters not long ago and was later released, blaming on the porous security nature on the campus.
He stated that they have had cases of kidnap of students in the past on the campus, saying “giving this circumstance, the union is no longer sure of the security of her members for discharge of their legitimate duties.
“In light of the foregoing, we are appealing to the University administration and all security agencies in the state to ensure immediate and safe rescue of the three students that were kidnapped on Tuesday, 25th February, 2025. This will ensure stability on campus for smooth academic activities.”
The union also called for the improvement of the security architecture on campus to ensure safe environment for teaching and learning.
He said “The union is standing in solidarity with our students and parents and do hope for the safe release of the abducted students soonest. Meanwhile members of our union are enjoined to be calm in these challenging times with the hope that University administration is doing her very best to secure the campus for smooth academic activities.”