VC raises alarm as herders take over Benue varsity campus, kidnap students

The Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), Prof. Isaac Itodo, has raised concerns over major security challenges facing the institution, including herdsmen invasions, kidnapping, and the rampant theft of school property, particularly armored cables.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the university’s 26th-31st combined convocation ceremony, scheduled from March 27 to March 29, 2025, Itodo highlighted the growing hostility from the host community, which he said has negatively impacted the institution.

He assured that efforts are being made to address the issues, including the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security.

The VC highlighted the recent abduction of three female students, which led to the indefinite closure of the university. He explained that security experts had conducted a thorough assessment and identified additional security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed before reopening the school.

“We are implementing several measures, including the construction of a dedicated Security Department building, which is slated for completion in a few weeks. This will ensure the safety of staff and students upon resumption,”; he stated.

The vice-chancellor emphasized the institution’s commitment to working with the Benue State Government, security agencies, and the host community to maintain peace on campus and foster scientific research.

He also reaffirmed his dedication to transparency and prudent resource management.

The upcoming convocation ceremony will see the graduation of over 9,000 students, including those from the university’s sandwich programme, who were previously ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

It will also feature the commissioning of key infrastructure projects such as a teaching and research farm, a specialized plant health laboratory, and the newly constructed security department building.

Itodo appealed to the Federal Government for the construction of a perimeter fence around the university, stressing that it would not only safeguard staff and students but also enhance research efforts and promote commercial agriculture within the institution.