Just in: After 8 days in captivity, Benue varsity female students regain freedom

After being held captive for eight agonizing days, three female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, have finally regained their freedom.

Persecondnews reported that the students were kidnapped on the night of February 25 between their hostels and the reading point in the North Core area of the school campus, while on their way to study.

Their release was announced in a news flash on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on X on Thursday.

The newsflash reads: “NEWS FLASH!. Benue state police command confirms the release of the three abducted students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi (JOSTUM).”

Persecondnews had reported that the news of their kidnap sparked wild protests from the students who marched round the school with tree branches in their hands, demanding immediate action from the school authorities.

As a precautionary measure, the university management declared a one-week mid-semester break to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The university’s decision was outlined in an internal memo, “Security Situation on Campus,” which was issued a day after the abduction and signed by the Registrar, Dr. John David.

Persecondnews recalls that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, had urged the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted students.

At the time of filing this report, details of their release remain unclear.

Details shortly…