The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has condemned the abduction of four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, describing it as a tragic reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement on Thursday, February 27, CONUA’s National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, called for urgent action from security agencies and the government to rescue the students and prevent further attacks.
“Reports indicate that these students were waylaid by armed gunmen while on their way to/from their studies, an attack that has sparked justifiable protests leading to the closure of the university,” Sunmonu said.
He decried the increasing attacks on academic institutions, warning that universities should not become “soft targets for criminal elements who prey on innocent students.”
Sunmonu urged the authorities to prioritise campus security, strengthen surveillance, and treat education security as a national emergency.
“Time is of essence, every second counts, and a swift response is non-negotiable,” he stated.
CONUA expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, calling on all stakeholders to act swiftly to secure their release.
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FIRST NEWS had reported 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.
Eyewitnesses and sources within the university reported that the students were kidnapped around 8:30 p.m. on campus.
“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.
Personnel from the military’s Operation Whirl Stroke have been deployed, alongside special police units, as part of the search and rescue efforts.