Tension has escalated at Rivers State University (RSU) after a second violent incident rocked the Emohua campus, barely a week after students protested a robbery attack in the area.
Few days ago, students residing in the Rumuohia axis of Emohua reported being robbed at gunpoint by unknown assailants who stormed their lodge at night, carted away valuables, and left several victims traumatized. The incident triggered a protest on campus, with students demanding urgent security intervention.
However, the situation worsened this week when armed men returned to the same community, this time kidnapping students from an off-campus residence. The gunmen reportedly robbed the occupants, shot a pet dog, and abducted five students. One victim who was female managed to escape, leaving four confirmed kidnapped.
The students abducted are:
Sampson London Chinemun – Psychology, 400 Level, Precious Geoffrey Onyebuchi – Political Science, 400 Level, Azubuike E. Kenechukwu – Psychology, 400 Level, Prince Sampson
Police authorities say tactical units have been deployed, with two suspects already arrested as efforts continue to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the students.
Responding to the rising anxiety on campus, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, met with students on campus. Addressing the visibly shaken crowd, he condemned the recurring attacks and assured them that the university was working closely with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He announced the suspension of all lectures until further notice, describing it as a necessary measure to safeguard students while security operations intensify.
Students have renewed calls for the relocation of the Emohua campus, citing persistent insecurity in the area, and are urging the state government to intervene immediately.
Security efforts remain underway as the search for the kidnapped students continues.
