Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has announced a one-week closure to address security concerns on campus.
This decision follows the abduction of four female students by unidentified armed men on Tuesday night. The students were reportedly taken while heading to a lecture hall around 8:30 PM, leaving the university community in shock and distress.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among students, who demanded immediate action from the school authorities to ensure the victims’ safe return.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Registrar Dr. John David expressed the university’s solidarity with the affected students and their families. The management has also instructed all students to vacate the hostels by 4:00 PM on February 26, 2025, as part of a mid-semester break intended to strengthen security measures on campus.
“Following the unfortunate incident on February 25, 2025, where unidentified gunmen abducted three students between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core, the university management, after extensive consultations with security agencies and stakeholders, strongly condemns this act,” the statement read.
“Government and security agencies have been duly informed on the unfortunate incident. All staff, students and the general public are enjoined to remain calm as security agencies are working tirelessly to effect the release of the abducted students.”
“The Inaugural Lecture scheduled for today (26th February, 2025) is postponed indefinitely. And the University Management in solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted students, has granted a one-week mid-semester break to all students, so as to adequately address the security challenges on Campus.
The university assured students, staff, and the general public that security agencies have been notified and are actively working towards securing the release of the abducted students.
In response to the situation, the university is prioritizing security efforts and student welfare.
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