Authorities have confirmed the abduction of four female students from Joseph Saawuaan Tarka Federal University, Makurdi, formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture.
The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson, CSP Sewuese Anene, verified the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.
She assured that investigations were underway and efforts to rescue the victims had commenced.
Eyewitnesses and sources within the university reported that the students were kidnapped around 8:30 p.m. on campus.
The incident has heightened concerns over security, as the university shares boundaries with communities that have experienced violent attacks in the past.
“Some of the kidnapped students have been identified as Emmanuella Oraka, who was wearing a wrapper dress, Fola in a yellow top, Susan in a floral top, and Ella in a black top,” the police spokesperson disclosed.
A senior university official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the victims were abducted while on their way to a reading spot near their hostels in the North Core area of the campus.
The kidnapping has sparked widespread protests among students, who took to the streets within the school premises, waving tree branches and demanding urgent action from the university authorities.
Many students expressed fear over their safety, with some considering leaving campus until tangible security measures are put in place.
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“We are no longer safe here,” said a student who preferred to remain anonymous. “If our fellow students can be taken just like that, what assurance do we have that we won’t be next?”
Despite the growing tension, security forces have intensified their presence around the university and surrounding areas in a bid to track down the perpetrators.
Personnel from the military’s Operation Whirl Stroke have been deployed, alongside special police units, as part of the search and rescue efforts.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police has reportedly ordered an immediate tactical response, with state and local government officials working closely with security agencies to address the situation.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Itodo, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, leaving students and concerned parents anxious for updates.
Many parents have reached out to the university administration, seeking assurances about their children’s safety, while some have called for a temporary suspension of academic activities until security is improved.
The abduction has reignited debates about the rising insecurity in educational institutions across Nigeria, with many urging the federal government to implement stronger policies to protect students.
As of the time of this report, the fate of the abducted students remains uncertain, with the university community hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of their peers.