Three students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, were kidnapped by suspected gunmen. The university has informed security agencies, postponed an inaugural lecture, and declared a one-week break. Police have launched an investigation.

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, has confirmed that three students of the university were kidnapped by suspected gunmen on Tuesday.

The university made this known in a circular signed by the Registrar, Dr. John David, which was released to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.

According to Dr. David, the three students, whose names were not disclosed, were abducted at about 8:00 p.m. between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in the North Core area of the university.

The registrar further stated that the government and security agencies had been duly notified of the incident and that necessary actions were being taken.

He said, “The management, after a series of consultative meetings with security agencies and stakeholders, made some resolutions. That all staff, students, and the general public are enjoined to remain calm as security agencies are working tirelessly to effect the release of the abducted students. That the inaugural lecture scheduled for Wednesday is postponed indefinitely. That the university management, in solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted students, granted a one-week mid-semester break to all students to adequately address the security challenges on campus. Consequently, students are to vacate their hostels before 4:00 p.m. today (Wednesday).’’

Meanwhile, the Police Command in Benue State has also confirmed the abduction of the students.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, stated that the command had launched a full investigation into the incident.

SP Anene assured the public that security operatives were making efforts to rescue the kidnapped students and that further updates on the situation would be communicated to the public in due course.