…School Declares Mid-Semester Break
Gunmen have kidnapped four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), in Benue State.
The attack, which took place between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 February led to widespread protests by students, prompting the university to declare a mid-semester break.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims—identified as Emmanuella, Oraka, Susan, and Ella—were abducted while walking between their hostel and a reading point in the North Core area of the university.
A senior staff member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident, stating, “The students were going to read that night when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point at North Core.”
The abduction led to demonstrations by students, who marched around the campus on Wednesday morning, demanding urgent action from the university management. A viral video circulating on social media shows the students chanting, “No security, no security.”
Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but provided conflicting information on the number of victims.
“We received information that two students were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. An investigation is ongoing,” she said.
In an official statement, the university management confirmed that three students were kidnapped.
The Registrar, Dr John David, disclosed that the victims were taken around 8:00 p.m. near Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road. He assured the public that security agencies and the government had been informed.
“The management, after a series of consultative meetings with security agencies and stakeholders, made some resolutions,” the statement read. “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.”
As part of its response, the university postponed its scheduled inaugural lecture and announced a one-week mid-semester break.
“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,” David stated.
Students were instructed to vacate their hostels before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
- Julius Maada Bio Takes Over as ECOWAS Chairman - June 22, 2025
- Tinubu Orders Arrest of Mob Behind Death of Wedding Guests in Plateau - June 22, 2025
- Eight Wedding Guests from Zaria Lynched by Mob in Plateau, 19 Hospitalised - June 22, 2025