The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi (formerly Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi) has been temporarily closed following the abduction of three students on Tuesday evening. The incident, which occurred around 8:00 pm between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in the North Core area of the campus, sparked immediate concern and prompted swift action from the university administration. An internal memo, titled “Security Situation on Campus,” was issued on Wednesday by the Registrar, Dr. John David, officially announcing the closure and outlining measures to address the security breach. The memo confirmed the abduction and conveyed the university’s condemnation of the act, assuring the community that both the government and security agencies had been duly notified.
The university management’s response to the crisis prioritized the safety and well-being of the student body. In a show of solidarity with the affected students and their parents, a one-week mid-semester break was granted to all students. This break served a dual purpose: providing time for the university authorities to implement necessary security enhancements and allowing students to return home amidst heightened anxieties. The directive mandated all students to vacate their hostels by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, ensuring a swift and organized departure. This proactive measure aimed to minimize potential risks and create a secure environment for reassessing and bolstering campus security protocols.
Prior to the official announcement, the news of the abduction had already circulated within the university community. A senior staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident, detailing that the female students were on their way to a study session when they were taken captive. The location of the abduction, between the students’ hostels and a popular reading area in North Core, highlighted the vulnerability of students moving around the campus, particularly during evening hours. This realization fuelled student protests on Wednesday morning, as concerned students marched across the campus, demanding immediate action from the authorities to ensure the safe return of their abducted colleagues. The students’ demonstration underscored the growing fear and anxiety among the student body and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
The abduction incident and the university’s response highlight the broader security challenges facing educational institutions in Nigeria. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly prevalent, targeting students in particular, and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within academic communities. The incident at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University underscores the vulnerability of students and the urgent need for comprehensive security strategies to protect them. This includes not only improved security infrastructure on campuses but also greater collaboration between universities, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to address the root causes of these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene. While initial reports indicated two students were abducted, the university’s internal memo confirmed three. This discrepancy may be due to the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and the initial confusion during the early stages of the investigation. CSP Anene stated that an investigation is ongoing, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction and secure the release of the students. The police investigation will likely focus on identifying the perpetrators, determining their motives, and pursuing all leads to locate and rescue the abducted students.
The incident at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University serves as a harsh reminder of the security challenges plaguing Nigeria’s educational sector. It underscores the need for proactive measures to protect students and ensure their safety on campuses across the country. The university’s response, including the temporary closure and the initiation of a comprehensive security review, demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges. However, a long-term solution requires a multi-pronged approach involving enhanced security infrastructure, improved intelligence gathering, and a stronger partnership between universities, law enforcement, and the wider community. Ultimately, creating a safe and secure learning environment for students is essential for the future of education in Nigeria. The incident at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting a national dialogue and concerted action to address the root causes of insecurity and protect the nation’s students.
