University Shuts Down Over Missing Four Female Students

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTM), formerly the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, has ordered a one-week closure of the institution to address rising security challenges.

The decision follows the abduction of four female students by unknown gunmen on campus late Tuesday night. The attackers reportedly intercepted the students around 8:30 p.m. while they were heading to a lecture hall to study and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.

The incident sparked outrage among students, who demanded immediate action from the authorities to secure the release of their abducted colleagues.

In a statement issued by the university’s Registrar, Dr. John David, expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. He announced a one-week mid-semester break and directed all students to vacate the school hostels by 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2025.

The statement read in part: “Sequel to the unfortunate incident that occurred on campus on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., where unknown armed men abducted three students between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core, the University Management, after a series of consultative meetings with security agencies and stakeholders, condemns the incident in its entirety.

“Government and security agencies have been duly informed of the unfortunate event. All staff, students, and the general public are urged to remain calm as security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted students.

“As a result, the Inaugural Lecture scheduled for today, February 26, 2025, has been postponed indefinitely. Additionally, in solidarity with the students and parents of the kidnapped students, the university has granted a one-week mid-semester break to adequately address security concerns on campus.

“Consequently, all students are to vacate their hostels before 4:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 26, 2025.”

The university assured students and staff that security measures are being reinforced to prevent further incidents.