BREAKING: UNIAGRIC Makurdi closes indefinitely 8 days after abduction of 4 female students

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) has ordered the closure of the institution, eight days after four female students were abducted and remain in captivity.

Unverified sources indicate that the abductors have demanded a ransom of N40 million for their release.

In a statement, JOSTUM’s Registrar, Dr. John David, revealed that a meeting of Deans and Directors on Friday, 28 February 2025, resulted in the decision to vacate all students from the hostel and campus until further notice.

“This decision is pending the safe return of the four abducted female students and the assurance of safety of lives and properties on campus,” Dr. David explained.

Previously, the university had granted a one-week mid-semester break following the abduction on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, when unknown armed men abducted the three students at about 8:00 p.m.

Security agencies are working round the clock to secure the safe return of the abductees, while efforts to obtain updates from the police have been unsuccessful, as police spokesperson Catherine Anene has not responded to calls or messages.