Makurdi, Nigeria - The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the release of three female students from Joseph Sarwuam Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), who were abducted on February 26. The students were freed after five days in captivity and are currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, stated that the students were released at approximately 9:34 p.m. on March 3, following continuous efforts to track down the kidnappers. Anene detailed that the initial report of the kidnapping was received on February 26, around 9:00 p.m., prompting an immediate deployment of police officers to the university premises for investigation.

"On 26th February at about 9:00p.m., information was received from J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, that three students were kidnapped within the school premises by unknown persons. Swiftly a team of police officers were deployed to the scene for investigation. During investigation, it was gathered that three female students were held hostage by their kidnappers. On March 3, following continuous trail of the kidnappers, the victims were released at about 9:34p.m. and are currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi," Anene stated.

Anene added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Steve Yabanet, commended the officers involved in the operation, especially the IGP Intelligence Response Team from Abuja, for their dedication to securing the students' release. Yabanet assured the public that the police are committed to doing everything within their power to arrest those responsible for the crime.