Kidnappers abduct 100-level Plateau varsity student, shoot another

File photo: Illustration image of gunmen

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 100-level female student of Plateau State University, Bokkos, while another person sustained injuries during an attack on off-campus student residential areas in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incidents, which occurred on Saturday evening at about 8:40pm, had heightened concerns over the safety of students residing outside the university campus.

A student of the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction to journalists on Sunday, saying the victim, a 100-level female student, had gone out with another female student when she was abducted.

“Yes, the student was taken away by the attackers last night, and we have not seen her since then. She is staying off campus, but I don’t know her,” the student said.

He lamented the growing insecurity in the council area and appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

Also confirming the incident, a staff member of the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the institution was aware of the development.

He said, “The university is aware of a reported shooting incident in one of the off-campus student residential areas. This would be the second such incident in four weeks.”

According to him, although the incident did not occur within the university campus, the management was deeply concerned about the safety of students living outside the institution.

“While the incident did not occur within the university campus, which remains our direct responsibility to secure, we are deeply concerned that any of our students living off campus should face such threats to their safety,” he said.

He disclosed that the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shedrack Best, had made concerted efforts to provide safe and secure on-campus accommodation for students.

“The administration of Prof. Shedrack Best has made concerted efforts to provide safe and secure on-campus accommodation for all students.

“However, due to severe financial constraints, the university is currently only able to accommodate about 1,000 students in its dormitories,” he stated.

The staff member added that the university appreciated the support of the visitor to the institution and the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for providing critical infrastructure at the university.

“The university will continue to engage relevant authorities to expand both accommodation and security for our nearly 20,000 students,” he said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.