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The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi, formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has ordered the closure of the institution.
This was contained in an internal memo titled “Security Situation on Campus”, issued on Wednesday and signed by the Registrar, Dr John David.
The institution confirmed the abduction of three students by unknown armed men at around 8:00 pm on Tuesday between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core.
The university management condemned the incident, stating that the government and security agencies had been informed of the unfortunate incident.
Postponing the inaugural lecture scheduled for Wednesday indefinitely, the management directed students to vacate their hostels to allow the school authorities to address the security concerns on campus.
“That university management, in solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted students, has granted a one-week mid-semester break to all students to adequately address the security challenges on campus.
“Consequently, all students are to vacate their hostels before 4:00 pm today, February 26, 2025.”
A senior staff member of the university, who requested anonymity, had earlier confirmed the abduction of the female students on campus.
He said, “The students were going to read that night when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point at North Core.”
It was gathered that the abduction of the students in the early hours of Wednesday triggered protests, with students marching around the campus, demanding that the school authorities ensure the rescue of their colleagues.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.
Anene said, “We received information that two students were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. An investigation is ongoing.”
