For more than a decade, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and risk of atrocities as result of attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups
BENUE, Nigeria – No fewer than 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Benue State while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu, police said.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were travelling together when they were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30pm in the Otukpo area of Benue, a north-central state.
Meanwhile, one of the victims has been identified as a House Officer named Dr Louis.
An X account that reports issues in the medical field – @Nigerian_Doctor – who also shared the information, appealed to security agencies for urgent intervention to rescue the students and free the families from the trauma.
“A House Officer (Dr Louis) and 20+ Medical and Dental Students have reportedly been kidnapped!
“These students, from University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were traveling for their Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
“They were reportedly abducted somewhere in Benue State, not far from Otukpo, judging by their last known location.
“We plead for your urgent intervention,” @Nigerian_Doctor wrote on X.
One of the students, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, managed to alert the public by posting a message on his X account.
In his post, Kingsley revealed that the group of students had been without food for two days, heightening the urgency of the situation.
“We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention. They are requesting 50 million naira for the 20 of us medical students. Please help us; we haven’t eaten for two days. Contact Pius at 08163420157—he is coordinating the funds,” said one of the kidnapped victims who tweeted from the kidnappers’ den.
“They said they would start killing us tomorrow,” Kingsley said.
The Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said on Friday, investigation had been launched into the abduction.
“Yes, the report of kidnapping is true. The report was received around 5:30pm to 6:00pm and investigation is ongoing,” said Anene.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Saturday, ordered the rescue of the 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State.
A statement by the national police spokesman ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Saturday in Abuja, said the IGP condemned the kidnapping of students.
Egbetokun described their abduction as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable”.
He said: “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command, and ensure swift rescue of our beloved students. This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.
“The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station the state’s command control number or the FHQ via [email protected] and other helplines.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country.”
– Insecurity and violence in Nigeria –
For more than a decade, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and risk of atrocities as result of attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups.
Since the start of 2024 civilians have faced intensified violence across Nigeria, and near-daily attacks by armed groups resulting in kidnappings and other abuses against civilians.
Armed groups and gangs, including so-called “bandits,” have – for many years – perpetrated widespread atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, organized cattle-rustling and plunder. Armed herdsmen are also destroying vast swaths of farmland, prompting many farmers to abandon their land out of fear of attack.