On February 25, 2025, a group of fived armed individuals kidnapped four women Joseph Sarwan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTM) students from campus.

The students were on their way to a lecture hall on campus around 8:30 pm, at the time of their abduction. At the time of this report, it is unclear if the students had been released.

This incident appears to fit a pattern of attacks and kidnappings targeting schools and universities in Nigeria. Sources have frequently described groups of “bandits” kidnapping students and staff in pursuit of ransom.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the abduction of higher education students. State authorities should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of scholars, students, and staff, including by investigating and holding perpetrators of such acts responsible, in line with international human rights standards. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, kidnappings that target members of the higher education community undermine the conditions needed for the meaningful exercise of the right to education and academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/4-female-varsity-students-kidnapped-on-campus/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4233626733387032/permalink/9293559507393704/?mibextid=REN0VK8xXxs1EILM
https://www.instagram.com/aspaya_news/p/DGnnt4RNqxb/