By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM) in Makurdi, Benue State, have been freed after spending eight days in captivity.
They were abducted by gunmen on campus while heading to a night study session last Tuesday around 8:30 pm.
The university management alerted the police and other security agencies, ensuring a fast response. According to Police Public Relations Officer CSP Catherine Anene, the students were released on Wednesday at 9:34 pm and are currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
CSP Anene stated, “On 26/02/2025 at about 21.34hrs, information was received from J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, that students were kidnapped within the school premises by unknown persons. Swiftly a team of police officers were deployed for investigation.”
She also said, “During the investigation, it was gathered that three (3) female students were held hostage by their kidnappers. On /3/2025 following continuous trail of the kidnappers, the victims were released at about 21.34hrs and are currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.”
CSP Anene added that the investigation is ongoing and the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Steve Yabanet, commends the officers involved in the operation, particularly the IGP Intelligence Response Team from Abuja and other security agencies in Benue State for their commitment to the investigation.
