From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The management of Federal University Agriculture Makurdi, now known as Joseph Saawua Tarka University Makurdi(JOSTUM, Benue State has confirmed the abduction of three students of the institution by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday.
The authorities have also shut down the school for one week over kidnapping of the three female undergraduate students
The female students who reside on campus in Zamfara Hostel were ambushed by five armed men at about 8:30pm while on their way to one of the lecture halls to read.
were on Tuesday night abducted on campus by unknown armed men.
Although there are reports that four students were abducted, the school confirmed the abduction of three.
A circular issued on Wednesday by Dr. John U. David, Registrar of the University, sighted by our correspondent, directed all students to vacate their hostels before 4:00pm of Wednesday, 26th February, 2025.
The management while condemning the incident in its entirety, further ordered all the students in the hostel to vacate to enable the school address the security challenges on Campus.
Dr. David also announced that the Inaugural Lecture scheduled for today(Wednesday)(26th February, 2025) has been postponed indefinitely, adding that the Government and the Security Agencies have been duly informed on the unfortunate incident.
The Management noted that after series of consultative meetings with Security Agencies and stakeholders it was resolved that the school be shutdown.
The statement read: “Sequel to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Campus (Tuesday, 25” February, 2025) at about 8:00pm where unknown armed men abducted three (3) students between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core, the University;
“The Management after series of consultative meetings with Security Agencies and stakeholders resolved on the following; that University Management condemned the incident 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 today Wednesday, 26th February,”
