JOSTUM Closes Indefinitely 8 Days After Abduction Of 3 Female Students

The management of the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) has directed the closure of the institution, eight days after the abduction of its three female students who are yet to be rescued.

The incident followed the uneasy calm that has greeted the abduction with continued captivity of the three students without demand from their abductors for their freedom.

Our correspondent however gathered from the grapevine that their abductors had demanded N40 million for their release.

JOSTUM’s Registrar, Dr. John David in a statement said the committee of Deans and Directors at their meeting held on Friday 28th February, 2025 approved vacation for all students from the hostel and campus until further notice.

Dr David said, “This decision is pending the safe return of the three abducted female students and the assurance of safety of lives and properties on campus.”

The University enjoined the students and staff of the institution to remain calm and hope for the best, while security agencies work round the clock to ensure the safe return of the abductees.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the school had earlier announced a one week closure of the school after the abduction.

“Sequel to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Campus (Tuesday, 25 February. 2025) at about 8:00pm where unknown armed men abducted three (3) students, the management has granted a one-week mid-semester break to all students, so as to address the security challenges on Campus.”

Efforts to get updates of the abducted students from the police have failed as the police spokesperson, Catherine Anene was not responding to her calls or replying text messages sent to her.