Armed assailants have abducted four female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka Federal University, Makurdi, previously known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in Benue State.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies have commenced investigations and are actively working towards rescuing the victims.
“At around 8:30 p.m., four female students were kidnapped within the university premises.
“The incident has intensified fears over student safety, especially as the institution is located near communities that have experienced attacks by suspected herdsmen,” Anene reported.
The abducted students have been identified by their first names and clothing descriptions: Emmanuella Oraka, who was wrapped in a single cloth, Fola in a yellow top, Susan in a floral-patterned top, and Ella in a black top.
A senior university official, who requested anonymity, revealed that the students were on their way to a night reading session when they were intercepted between their hostel and the North Core reading area.
In response, enraged students took to the campus in protest, waving tree branches and demanding urgent intervention from the school authorities.
Despite the growing unrest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Itodo has yet to issue an official statement, leaving many uncertain about the university’s security measures.
Meanwhile, operatives from Operation Whirl Stroke, a military security force, have been deployed to the affected area.
Additionally, officials from Makurdi Local Government and other state authorities are coordinating efforts with security agencies to address the situation and secure the release of the kidnapped students.
