By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Uneasy calm pervades at the Joseph Sawuan Tarka University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue state over the kidnapping of thee students by suspected herdsmen.
The resultant tension has caused the closure of the institution for the next one week to allow for a thorough security effort to effect release of the abducted students.
A memo obtained by The AUTHORITY and signed by the Registrar, Dr John David, authorising the closure of the institution directed students to vacate hostels for one week.
The measure, according to the statement is “sequel to the unfortunate incident that occured on campus (Tuesday 25th February, 2025) at about 8.00 PM where unknown armed men abducted three (3) students between Zamfara hostel and Ring road in North Core”.
An internal security source disclosed to The AUTHORITY that there was an unsuccessful attempted kidnapping of a security staff of the University, Mr. Joseph Geda, earlier in January. A report on that security breach was forwarded to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nathaniel Isaac Itodo. Mr. Geda had escaped from his captors using his knowledge of the terrain.
The source further disclosed that the unhindered presence of armed herdsmen on the campus became a worry to staff and students. The concern was appropriately reported to the Vice Chancellor who is alleged to have said the herdsmen were not destroying anyone’s crops. He however, held a meeting with leaders of the herdsmen last week. The outcome was an assurance by an unamed leader of the herdsmen that the University has nothing to worry about.
The three students according to The AUTHORITY’s independent findings, left the lecture halls at about 8.00 PM on their way back to Zamfara hostel at the North Core of the University. Between the lecture halls and the hostel is a lonely walk without a security presence which leaves the students vulnerable to any attack. It was at the same spot that an internal security personnel of the University was abducted in January.
The University management which has strongly condemned the incident in its entirety, enjoined staff, students and the general public to remain calm as security agencies are working tirelessly to effect the release of the abducted students. In solidarity with the abducted students also, an inaugural lecture which was to take place 26th February, 2025 was postponed and a one week mid-semester break effected to enable security adequately address the breaches on campus.
