Kidnappers of Makurdi varsity female students demand ₦40 million ransom

The abductors of female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JoSTUM) have demanded a ₦40 million ransom for their release.

The students were kidnapped on Tuesday at about 8:30pm while heading to a lecture hall to study, reports Vanguard.

Following the abduction, fellow students staged protests, demanding the immediate release of their colleagues. In response, the university management shut down the institution for one week to address security concerns.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), JoSTUM branch, also condemned the attack, calling for the unconditional release of the victims.

According to sources, the kidnappers have begun contacting the families of the abducted students, demanding ₦40 million for their release.

A friend of one of the victims, speaking anonymously, revealed:

“The kidnappers have started calling the families, demanding ₦40 million and threatening to harm the girls if the money is not paid quickly.”

“We are deeply worried because none of the parents can afford even half of the amount they are asking for.”

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The situation has raised serious concerns about security in Nigerian universities, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.