Abductors of UNIAGRIC female students demand N40m ransom

Abductors of female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), are demanding a ransom of N40 million for their release.

According to a friend of one of the victims who requested anonymity the kidnappers have already begun contacting the students’ families, threatening harm if the ransom is not paid promptly.

The source noted, “They are demanding N40 million before releasing the girls, and if the money isn’t paid quickly, they will deal with the victims.” Concern is high as many families cannot even muster half of the demanded sum, prompting urgent calls for authorities to intervene and secure the safe return of the students.

The abduction occurred on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. on campus while the girls were on their way to a lecture hall. The incident sparked immediate protests by fellow students demanding their peers’ swift release. In response, the university administration closed the institution for one week to address the security breach.

Additionally, the JoSTUM branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) condemned the abduction and demanded the unconditional release of the victims.

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) also denounced the kidnapping and called for the immediate, unconditional return of the abducted students.

In a statement signed by Country Director Andrew Mamedu, AAN expressed alarm over the rising trend of student abductions across the country.

Mamedu warned that homes, schools, worship centres, communities, and even roads have become increasingly unsafe. He recalled previous abduction incidents, such as those involving the Chibok and Dapchi girls and the 2024 kidnapping of over 200 students in Kuriga, Kaduna State, noting that these recurring attacks not only undermine the right to education but also pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s development.

Mamedu stressed that the current approach of temporarily closing schools fails to address the root causes of the insecurity—namely poor infrastructure, underfunding, and lax security. “Now students are forced to choose between obtaining an education and staying alive. If schools are no longer safe, where can young Nigerians feel secure?” he questioned.

He urged the Federal Government to take immediate, decisive action by re-evaluating and fully implementing robust school security strategies. Mamedu called on security agencies to intensify their rescue efforts and to enhance community-led initiatives, intelligence gathering, and early warning systems.

He concluded that the abduction of students is not just an attack on individuals—it is a direct assault on the future of Nigeria, and urgent, concrete measures are needed to end this cycle of violence.