The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has issued a passionate appeal to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue female students of Tarka University who were abducted by gunmen last week. Naija247news gathered that the students were taken from their off-campus hostel in Makurdi, Benue State, sparking outrage and fear among parents and the academic community.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the abduction occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when armed men stormed the hostel, overpowered security guards, and whisked away an undisclosed number of students. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of students in higher institutions, particularly in regions plagued by insecurity.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. These young women are the future of our nation, and we cannot afford to lose them to the hands of criminals,” the Minister said during a press briefing in Abuja. Naija247news understands that Kennedy-Ohanenye has vowed to work closely with security agencies and state governments to ensure the safe return of the students and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The abduction has triggered widespread condemnation, with students and civil society groups staging protests to demand urgent action. Naija247news reports that parents of the abducted students have expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding their daughters’ whereabouts. “We are living in fear and agony. We urge the government to act swiftly,” said Mrs. Grace Okon, whose daughter is among the missing.
Security sources revealed to Naija247news that a joint operation involving the police, military, and local vigilantes is underway to track down the kidnappers. However, no contact has been established with the abductors, and no ransom demands have been made as of press time.
The Minister also called for improved security measures around educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable areas. Naija247news gathered that she has proposed the establishment of a special task force to protect students and staff in higher institutions across the country. “We must create a safe environment for learning. Our children deserve nothing less,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has assured residents that it is working tirelessly to secure the students’ release. Naija247news understands that Governor Hyacinth Alia has convened an emergency security meeting to address the situation and prevent further attacks.
As the nation waits anxiously for updates, the abduction of the Tarka University students serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity threatening Nigeria’s educational system. According to Naija247news, the incident has sparked a national conversation about the need for comprehensive security reforms to safeguard the lives and futures of Nigeria’s youth.
