Nigerian police and security agencies are actively working to secure the release of 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State on Thursday evening. The students, from the universities of Jos and Maiduguri, were on their way to an annual medical convention in Enugu when they were abducted, according to police and university sources.
The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students confirmed that the students were traveling in a convoy of two buses when the incident occurred near the town of Otukpo, less than 150km (93 miles) from their destination. Among the kidnapped were 12 students from the University of Jos, eight from the University of Maiduguri, and one doctor accompanying them.
A ransom demand has reportedly been made in exchange for the students’ release. One of the students managed to share their location, indicating they are being held in the Oglewu Ehaje area of Benue State.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students, describing their swift and safe return as “crucial.” The association urged the authorities to take decisive action to resolve the situation.
In response, the national police have ordered the deployment of advanced helicopters, drones, and specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the students’ safe return. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has also directed local security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the students’ release.
Kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, fueled by the country’s severe economic crisis. Despite a 2022 law banning ransom payments, many families feel compelled to comply with kidnappers’ demands. According to Nigerian consultancy firm SBM Intelligence, there were 4,777 recorded kidnapping cases between May 2023, when President Bola Tinubu took office, and January 2024.
