The individuals responsible for the abduction of female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), have reportedly requested a ransom of N40 million for their release.
A friend of one of the victims, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that the kidnappers had begun contacting the families of the students, demanding payment.
“I was informed that they are asking for N40 million before setting them free, and they have also issued threats against the girls if the ransom is not paid quickly,” the source revealed.
Concerned about the situation, the source urged the authorities to intervene, stressing that the families of the victims cannot afford such an amount.
The students were taken on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. while heading to a lecture hall to study.
Their abduction led to protests by fellow students, who called for their immediate release.
Following the incident, the university administration announced a one-week closure to address security challenges on campus.
Meanwhile, the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at JoSTUM condemned the abduction and demanded the unconditional and immediate release of the kidnapped students.