Kidnapped varsity students in Taraba freed after ransom negotiations

The Federal University of Wukari in Wukari local government council of Taraba State has reported the release of the two abducted students from its campus.

Joshua Sardauna and Obianu Elizabeth, from the Economics and Microbiology departments respectively, were abducted by unknown gunmen earlier this month from a nearby eatery on the campus premises.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of N50 million for the students’ release.

Following negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N12 million, and eventually, the kidnappers agreed to accept a significantly lower sum of N700,000.

The university’s head of information and protocol unit, Mrs. Ashu Agbu, confirmed the students’ release, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of security operatives and the school management.

She disclosed that the families of the victims were compelled to pay the ransom for the students’ freedom.

The school official revealed that the kidnappers’ original target was the owner of the eatery where one of the students worked.

Students at the university who spoke with The Guardian via a telephone expressed relief and called for increased security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

They urged both state and federal governments to collaborate with the institution’s security team to ensure the safety of students and staff.

They urged the university and security agencies continue to work diligently to secure the campus and prevent further threats to the safety and well-being of its members.