By Akpereshi Peter Akpereshi
The National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS) has condemned in strong terms the kidnapping of four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM). The incident occurred on the night of February 25, 2025.
Global President of the Union Comrade Moses Anza, described the abduction as an affront to the safety and dignity of students. “It is unfortunate that the security of students in Benue has been reduced to a trivial concern while political strategising takes precedence. Governance is not a rehearsal for electoral gains, it is a duty to the people. We cannot continue to endure this unchecked terror against students,” he stated.
NUBESS has issued a 74-hour ultimatum to the state government to secure the release of the abducted students. If concrete action is not taken, the student community will be compelled to take decisive steps in their own interest.
The union has demanded immediate action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students and a complete overhaul of the security infrastructure within the university. The state government has been urged to deploy adequate security personnel, install surveillance systems, and take urgent measures to curb unauthorized access to the campus.
The recent abduction has reignited concerns over the worsening security situation on campus, particularly the porous boundaries and unchecked activities of armed herders within the institution’s premises. The presence of these elements within the university environment poses a direct threat to students.
NUBESS has demanded immediate intervention to halt the activities of herders within the institution. The failure of the government and security agencies to act decisively on this matter will not be tolerated, as students cannot continue to live in perpetual fear.
Students have been advised to exercise caution and, where possible, refrain from late movements until the security situation is addressed. The leadership of NUBESS remains committed to engaging all relevant authorities to ensure that student welfare and security are not compromised.
The NUBESS National Secretariat has urged the affected families to remain resolute in this trying time, assuring them that every necessary effort will be made to secure the release of the abducted students and hold those responsible to account.
The abduction of the four JOSTUM female students is a stark reminder of the insecurity that has plagued the state in recent times. It is imperative that the state government takes immediate action to address the security concerns of students and ensure their safe return.
The NUBESS National Secretariat will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students in Benue State.
The NUBESS National Secretariat condemns in the strongest terms the abduction of the four JOSTUM female students and demands immediate action from the state government to secure their release.
The clock is ticking, and the state government must act swiftly to avoid any further escalation of the situation.
The NUBESS National Secretariat will not hesitate to take decisive action if the state government fails to meet its demands.
The safety and security of students in Benue State are non-negotiable, and the NUBESS National Secretariat will stop at nothing to ensure that they are protected.
The state government must prioritize the safety of students over political calculations and take immediate action to address the security concerns of students in Benue State.
The NUBESS National Secretariat demands justice for the abducted students and will continue to fight for their safe return.