Gunmen Kidnap Plateau University Student, Injure Another

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have taken a 100-level female student from Plateau State University in Bokkos. Another person was hurt during the attack on students living off-campus in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incidents happened on Saturday evening around 8:40pm. This has raised serious worries about the safety of students living outside the university campus.

A student from the university, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to reporters on Sunday. He confirmed the abduction, saying the victim, a 100-level female student, went out with another student when the gunmen struck.

"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 expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the area and urged security agencies to ensure the victim is rescued safely.

A university staff member, who also wanted to remain unnamed, confirmed the situation. He said the school was aware of the shooting incident in one of the off-campus student areas.

"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," he stated.

He added that even though the incident did not happen on the university campus, the management is very worried about the safety of students living off-campus.

"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 revealed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shedrack Best, has been working hard to provide safe on-campus housing 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 explained.

The staff member mentioned that the university appreciates the support from the visitor to the institution, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for helping with important 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.

As of now, attempts to get a response from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful.