The management of Joseph Sarwuan Taro University (JOSTM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, has closed down its institution for one week due to security concerns.
The university registrar, Dr. John David, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the decision was taken following the growing security challenges within the university.
It would be recalled that four female students were abducted on campus by unknown armed men on Tuesday night. Reports indicated that the students were taken while on their way to a lecture hall around 8:30 pm.
Fellow students were outraged by the incident, demanding immediate action from the authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped students.
The university management, in the statement, expressed solidarity with the students and parents of the abducted victims.It noted that to ensure student safety, it has declared a one-week mid-semester break effective immediately.
Part of the statement read; “Sequel to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Campus (Tuesday, February 25, 2025) at about 8:00 pm where unknown armed men abducted three students between Zamfara Hostel and Ring Road in North Core, the University Management after series of consultative meetings with security agencies and stakeholders condemn the incident in its entirety.
“Government and security agencies have been duly informed of 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.
“Consequently, all students are to vacate their hostels before 4:00 pm today, Wednesday, February 26, 2025.”