The Benue State Police has confirmed the kidnapping of four female students from Joseph Saawuaan Tarka Federal University, formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the campus, occurred on Monday evening at approximately 8:30 pm.
According to CSP Sewuese Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, investigations and rescue operations have already commenced. Sources close to the university reported that gunmen abducted the students while they were on their way to a designated reading area on campus.
The names of the kidnapped students have been identified as Emmanuella Oraka, Fola, Susan, and Ella. Reports indicate that one of the students, Emmanuella Oraka, was wearing only a wrapper dress, while the others were dressed in a yellow top, a flower top, and a black top, respectively.
A senior staff member at the university, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the students were abducted between their hostels and the reading area at the North Core section of the campus. The staff member explained that the students were likely heading to study when the kidnappers struck.
The news of the kidnapping triggered protests on campus as students rallied with tree branches in hand, demanding urgent action from the school authorities to ensure their safety. The protesters expressed concerns about the ongoing insecurity around the campus, especially with nearby communities previously impacted by suspected herdsmen attacks.
As of now, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Itodo, has yet to issue a public statement, leaving students and their families anxious about the university’s response to the incident and measures to restore public confidence.
In response to the kidnapping, personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke, the military operation aimed at securing the North-Central region, have been deployed to the area. Local government officials, including the Makurdi Local Government chairman, are collaborating with security forces to regain control of the situation and address the growing threats to campus security.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to locate and rescue the abducted students.
