In a disturbing incident, four female students from Joseph Saawuaan Tarka Federal University (formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi) in Benue State have been abducted by unknown gunmen.
The kidnapping took place around 8:30 PM on the university campus, triggering widespread panic among students. This incident is particularly alarming given the proximity of the university to communities previously affected by suspected herdsmen attacks.
CSP Sewuese Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the abduction and reassured the public that both an investigation and a rescue operation are currently underway.
The victims, identified by their clothing, have been named as Emmanuella Oraka (dressed in a wrapper), Fola (wearing a yellow top), Susan (in a floral top), and Ella (dressed in a black top).
A senior staff member of the university also confirmed that the students were on their way to a night study session when they were abducted.
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The kidnapping occurred between their hostels and the designated reading area in the North Core section of the campus.
The incident triggered immediate protests from students, who marched across the campus wielding tree branches and demanding urgent action from the university administration.
The protests underscored growing concerns about the safety of students on campus, particularly as the region has been plagued by violence linked to herders’ conflicts.
In response to the abduction, military personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke have been deployed to the area.
Additionally, local government officials, including the chairman of Makurdi Local Government, are reportedly collaborating with security forces to address the rising threats and regain control of the situation.
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