Gunmen Launch Night Raid on Benue University, Kidnap Four Female Students

Insecurity concerns in Benue State have escalated following the kidnapping of four female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi.

This latest incident has reignited worries about the ongoing threat of violence in the region.

The abduction of the students has added to the growing unease among residents, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the persisting security challenges in Benue State.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, CSP Sewuese Anene, said investigations and rescue efforts have begun.

He said: “Four female students were kidnapped at the university premises at about 8:30 pm, causing panic about students’ safety as the surrounding area shares boundaries with communities which have been affected by suspected herdsmen attacks.

“Some of the students here have been identified simply as Emmanuella Oraka, who was dressed in just a wrapper dress, Fola in yellow top, Susan in flower top and Ella in black top.”

A senior staff member of the university, who wished to remain anonymous as they were not authorized to speak, corroborated the incident.

According to him, the students were going for a night study session when they were abducted between their hostels and the reading point in the North Core area of the university campus.

Meanwhile, students of the university have protested the kidnapping, waving tree branches and demanding immediate action from the school authorities.

Prof. Isaac Itodo, the Vice Chancellor, has yet to respond to media inquiries.

Persecondnews recalls that on August 15, 2024, 20 medical students, including a house officer, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, who were traveling for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu, were kidnapped at Otukpo area of Benue State.

Through a coordinated rescue effort, the National Security Adviser’s Office in collaboration with various security agencies including the police, DSS, and military personnel – and with support from the Benue State Government, rescued the students on August 23, 2024.