The police have confirmed the kidnapping of four female students from the Joseph Saawuaan Tarka Federal University, Makurdi (formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture).
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, CSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the abduction in a phone conversation with our correspondent, stating that investigations and rescue operations are already underway.
According to sources at the university, the students were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen around 8:30 pm. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students, especially as the university campus is situated near areas previously affected by suspected herdsmen attacks.
The kidnapped students have been identified as Emmanuella Oraka (wearing a wrapper dress), Fola (in a yellow top), Susan (in a floral top), and Ella (wearing a black top), according to the police spokesperson.
A senior staff member of the university, speaking anonymously, confirmed the abduction, noting that the students were heading to a reading session when they were taken between their hostels and the North Core area of the campus.
The kidnapping has sparked protests from students, who marched around the campus holding tree branches and demanding immediate action from university authorities.
As of now, Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Itodo has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident or provided any information on steps being taken to reassure students about their safety.
In response to the abduction, military personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke have been deployed to the area. Local government officials, including the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, are also working with security forces to address the threat and restore calm.
