Gunmen abduct 4 female varsity students in Benue

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Gunmen abduct 4 female varsity students in Benue

Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped four female students of the Joseph Saawuaan Tarka Federal University, Makurdi, formally known as Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident, noting that investigation and rescue efforts have begun.

“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,” the police PRO said.

A senior staff member in the school, who craved anonymity because he was not authorized to speak, confirmed the incident.

The staff member said the students were going for night study when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point at the North Core area of the school campus.

Meanwhile, the news of their kidnap immediately sparked wild protests from the students who marched around the school with tree branches in their hands demanding immediate action from the school authorities.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Itodo, is yet to respond to any inquiry with little information on what is being done to assure the students of their safety and restore public confidence.

Although, personnel from the military Operation Whirl Stroke have been deployed to the area as the Makurdi Local Government chairman and other state officials are seen to be working with security forces to gain control of the threats.