Twenty medical students from Nigeria’s universities of Jos and Maiduguri were kidnapped in Benue State while traveling to a medical convention in Enugu. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the students were en route when they were abducted by unknown assailants.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian police, are working to locate and free the students, whose kidnapping has stirred widespread concern.
The NMA, along with other relevant bodies, expressed grave concerns for the safety of the students, who are the country’s future healthcare professionals. The Nigerian Medical Students’ Association revealed that the students were part of a convoy traveling in two buses when they were kidnapped near Otukpo, a region notorious for frequent kidnappings.
A ransom demand has since been made for their release, though details about the sum or terms remain unclear. One of the students managed to share their location, indicating they were held in the Oglewu Ehaje area of Benue State.
Kidnappers Target Twenty Medical Students in Benue State, Prompting Nationwide Search and Security Alarm
In response to the abductions, Nigerian police have deployed advanced search tactics, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to locate the victims. The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, ordered intensified efforts from security forces to ensure the safe release of the students.
The use of specialized equipment highlights the urgency with which authorities are addressing the situation. The police public relations officer in Benue State also confirmed the efforts being made on the ground.
This incident underscores the growing trend of kidnappings in Nigeria, exacerbated by the country’s economic crisis. Despite the 2022 law prohibiting ransom payments, families often feel compelled to pay to secure their loved ones’ freedom.
Kidnappings have become increasingly common, with criminals targeting civilians for ransom to survive in a struggling economy. According to SBM Intelligence, thousands of kidnappings have occurred since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, reflecting the severe security challenges Nigeria faces.
Public outcry over the kidnappings has been widespread, with the NMA and other organizations demanding swift action to secure the students’ release. The Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies face immense pressure to resolve this situation without delay. The incident serves as a reminder of the broader security concerns in Nigeria, as criminal activities continue to undermine the safety of citizens, particularly in volatile regions like Benue State.
