The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture (JOSTUM) Makurdi has ordered the closure of the institution following the abduction of three students by armed assailants on Tuesday evening.
Recall that the incident occurred at approximately 8:00 pm on the university’s campus, between the Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core.
An internal memo signed by the Registrar, Dr. John David, conveyed the urgent need for students to vacate their hostels and go on a one-week mid-semester break, effective immediately.
This decision comes as the university management seeks to address escalating security issues that have plagued the institution, including the most recent kidnapping of two female students.
The university expressed solidarity with the students and their families while reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its community.
In a statement on Wednesday, the management condemned the abduction and stressed that the government and relevant security agencies had been alerted to the crisis.
The school had initially planned to hold its inaugural lecture on Wednesday but postponed the event indefinitely to focus on resolving the security concerns.
A senior university staff member, who spoke under condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction, stating that the students had been on their way to a study session when they were seized by gunmen in a secluded area of the campus.
“They were going to read that night when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point at North Core.
“We want the management to do everything possible to bring back our friends. This is unacceptable,” one protester stated,” the source said.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction.
She stated, “We received information that two students were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. An investigation is ongoing.”
