20 Medical Students Kidnapped in Benue

Nigerian authorities are intensifying efforts to secure the release of 20 medical students kidnapped in the eastern part of the country, officials confirmed.

The abduction took place on Thursday evening in Benue State, as the students were traveling to an annual convention in Enugu. The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students revealed that the students were en route to the convention when they were taken.

According to Fortune Olaye, secretary-general of the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association, the kidnapped group included 20 students from two universities and a doctor accompanying them. A ransom demand has since been made for their release.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a letter to the inspector general of police, expressed deep concern for the safety of the students. The letter, shared on the social media platform X, disclosed that 12 of the abducted students are from the University of Jos, while eight are from the University of Maiduguri. The letter also noted that one of the students managed to share their location, identifying the Oglewu Ehaje area in Benue State as their current whereabouts.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the students' safe release. The national police, in response, announced the deployment of advanced helicopters, drones, and specialized tactical vehicles to aid in the search and rescue mission.

The students, who were reportedly traveling in a convoy of two buses from northern Nigeria, were abducted near the town of Otukpo, roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Enugu. This area has seen frequent attacks and kidnappings, according to Nigeria’s This Day newspaper.

Kidnapping incidents have surged in Nigeria, driven by a worsening economic crisis that has pushed more individuals toward criminal activities. Although a law was passed in 2022 banning ransom payments to kidnappers, many families feel compelled to comply with the demands. The consultancy firm SBM Intelligence reported that 4,777 kidnapping cases were recorded between May 2023, when President Bola Tinubu took office, and January 2024.

The kidnapping was confirmed by Benue State police spokesperson Catherine Anene, who stated that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the students.