In a recent and alarming development, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to security agencies to take swift action in rescuing the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were recently abducted by terrorists.
The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on a fateful Friday, sent shockwaves across the nation as armed bandits targeted the university’s hostels, leading away several students, including females.
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that this horrifying event marks yet another episode of insecurity in Zamfara State, which has been grappling with the menace of terrorism for some time.
A Disturbing Pattern of Abductions
Friday’s abduction is not an isolated incident; it follows a distressing pattern of kidnappings in Zamfara State.
Just five months prior, armed persons kidnapped at least two female students from the same university.
Within the same timeframe, over 80 youths who ventured into the forest to gather firewood were also kidnapped in Wanzamai village.
This wave of abductions highlights the persistent security challenges faced by the state.
The memory of the mass abduction of 279 female students from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, in February 2021 is still fresh in the minds of many.
Despite the imposition of a no-fly zone over specific volatile areas by former President Muhammadu Buhari, these incidents continue to occur, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures.
Swift Response by the Nigerian Army
During Friday’s abduction at Federal University Gusau, the Nigerian army reacted promptly, engaging the terrorists in a fierce shootout.
This courageous response led to the rescue of six female students, providing a glimmer of hope in the midst of this crisis.
However, the situation remains dire, with over 20 students still in the custody of the terrorists.
President Tinubu’s Firm Stand
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, condemned the reprehensible act in the strongest terms.
He expressed deep sympathy for the families directly impacted by this tragic incident and emphasized that there is no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims who were merely pursuing quality education.
In his statement the President affirmed that his administration has a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen.
He assured the families of the abducted students that no effort would be spared in ensuring their safe return.
Furthermore, President Tinubu pledged that the federal government is resolute in its commitment to ensuring that educational institutions remain sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity.
These institutions must be entirely free from the menacing acts of terrorists that threaten the nation’s future.
What You Should Know
The abduction of students at the Federal University Gusau is a grim reminder of the security challenges facing Zamfara State and the nation as a whole.
President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action and commitment to their safe return offer hope for a brighter future.
The nation watches as security agencies work tirelessly to rescue the remaining abducted students, and it is a collective hope that they will be brought back to safety soon.
It is imperative that such heinous acts are firmly addressed to ensure that educational institutions continue to flourish as centers of knowledge and progress, free from the menace of terrorism.
