In a shocking and tragic incident, four female students of University of Makurdi were abducted from the campus by armed men in the early hours of today. The brazen kidnapping has left the university community in disbelief and heightened fears over the safety of students and staff on campus.
The Kidnapping Incident
According to eyewitness reports, the armed assailants stormed the university’s Girls’ Hostel around 1:30 AM, overpowering the security personnel stationed at the entrance. The attackers, who were heavily armed, reportedly broke into the hostel, abducting four female students at gunpoint. The victims, who are all second-year students, were then whisked away in a waiting vehicle, leaving behind a scene of chaos and terror.
University officials and law enforcement authorities were quickly notified of the incident. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and assured that efforts are being made to secure the safe release of the students.
“We are doing everything in our power to locate the students and bring them back safely. Our teams are currently working in collaboration with the university’s security to track down the kidnappers,” said SP Anene Catherine, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police.
Shock and Fear on Campus
The news of the kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the university community. Students, faculty, and staff are in a state of panic as many are now questioning the safety of the campus, especially in light of the increasing number of abductions reported in various parts of the country.
One student, Chika Ogbodo, who lives in the same hostel, recounted the terrifying moments before the kidnappers arrived.
“We were all asleep when we heard loud banging on the doors and windows. It was clear they were armed. They started shooting into the air and threatening everyone. We just had to lie low and pray we wouldn’t be targeted,” Chika said.
Other students have expressed fear that the incident could escalate, with many calling for increased security on campus and around the university’s vicinity.
University’s Response
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, the University of Makurdi condemned the attack and assured parents, students, and the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students. The university administration has also promised to review its security protocols and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing investigation.
“We are deeply distressed by this incident and are fully committed to working with the authorities to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” the university’s statement read. “We urge everyone to remain calm as we continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The university also indicated that counseling services will be made available to students affected by the traumatic event, particularly those who witnessed the kidnapping.
Rising Concern Over Kidnapping in Nigeria
This latest abduction is part of a growing wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, particularly targeting students and young people. Educational institutions, especially those in the northern and central parts of the country, have increasingly become targets for criminal groups seeking ransom or other forms of leverage.
The University of Makurdi incident follows a series of similar attacks in recent months, further raising concerns about the safety of students in higher learning institutions across the country. The Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies have been under increasing pressure to address the issue, but many Nigerians feel that more needs to be done to secure campuses and prevent these incidents from becoming a norm.
Calls for Action
Human rights groups, education advocates, and concerned citizens have called for urgent government intervention to ensure the safety of students on university campuses. The Nigerian Students Union has issued a statement demanding stronger security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras, the recruitment of more security personnel, and tighter control of the perimeter of campuses.
Bolanle Adebayo, a member of the Nigerian Students Union, expressed concern over the recent rise in campus kidnappings.
“It is becoming increasingly unsafe for students in Nigerian universities,” Adebayo said. “We need to see action from the government and university management to protect our students. It’s a very disturbing trend, and we hope the authorities will act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Search for the Kidnappers
As of the time of writing, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and no ransom demands have been made public. The police have launched an extensive manhunt for the kidnappers, focusing on areas surrounding the university. Roadblocks and security patrols have been intensified around Makurdi as investigators continue to gather clues.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has also weighed in on the matter, expressing his concern for the safety of the students and promising that the state government would provide all necessary support to help track down the kidnappers and return the students unharmed.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of these young girls. We will not rest until they are back with their families,” Governor Ortom stated.
Conclusion: A Dark Day for the University Community
The kidnapping of four female students from the University of Makurdi has cast a dark shadow over the campus, leaving the community in shock and fear. As the search for the victims and their captors intensifies, the broader Nigerian community continues to call for immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.
The abduction highlights the growing security concerns across Nigeria, especially in relation to student safety, and serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country in combatting violent crime and criminal abductions. Authorities are hopeful that the swift action of law enforcement will lead to the safe release of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
source: vanguardngr.com
