Abduction Of 4 Female Students Pointer To Worsening Insecurity In Universities- CONUA

The Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has condemned the abduction of four female students of the Joseph Sarwuan University, Makurd,i Benue state.

The Congress, in a statement on Thursday, described the abduction of the students as a pointer to the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria’s ivory towers, saying security agencies must ensure ensure their safe return to their families.

CONUA: “Reports indicate that these students were waylaid by armed gunmen while on their way to/from their studies, an attack that has sparked justifiable protests leading to the closure of the university.

‘This heinous act is yet another tragic reminder of the worsening state of insecurity in our higher institutions and the growing threats to the safety of students and staff across the country. It is completely unacceptable that universities, meant to be centers of learning, innovation, and national development, are increasingly becoming targets for criminal elements who prey on innocent students.

“CONUA strongly condemns this attack and demands immediate and decisive action from both the university administration and the government at all levels to: Ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted students. The security agencies must intensify efforts to locate and secure the safe return of the abducted students. Time is of essence, every second counts, and a swift response is non-negotiable.

“Strengthen Campus Security and Student Safety Measures: JOSTUM and other universities must put in place proactive security strategies to prevent further attacks. This includes increased surveillance, collaboration with security agencies, and robust campus security infrastructure.

“Prioritize the Security of Educational Institutions: The increasing attacks on students and academic institutions call for an urgent national policy response that treats education security as a matter of national emergency. The FG must take concrete steps to ensure that universities are no longer soft targets for criminal elements.

“CONUA stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the entire academic community in Benue State during this trying time. We urge all stakeholders, including the Federal and State Government, security agencies, and university administrations, to take immediate action to bring back these students and end this persistent assault on education.”