The Nigerian Police Force, in a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies, successfully rescued 20 medical and dental students who were kidnapped in Benue State earlier this week.
The students, who were on their way to Enugu State for a program organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS), were ambushed by gunmen in the Otukpo Local Government Area.
The police said their release was secured without the payment of any ransom, bringing relief to their families and communities across Nigeria.
The students, traveling in a convoy of two buses from the northern part of Nigeria, were making their way through Benue State when they were intercepted by heavily armed bandits around 5:30 pm on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred on the federal highway passing through Otukpo, a region increasingly known for its dangerous roads and frequent kidnappings.
As news of the abduction broke on Friday, it sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians, who decried the rising rate of kidnappings across the country.
The victims included students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, who were on their way to attend the FECAMDS annual convention in Enugu, an event that draws Catholic medical and dental students from across the nation.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the families of the students, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million to secure their release.
The threat to the lives of the students, coupled with the ransom demand, added to the anxiety and fear experienced by their families and the broader public.
The captors warned that failure to pay the ransom would result in the death of the students by Saturday.
Responding to the abduction, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, described the kidnapping as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable,” and vowed to ensure the safe return of the students.
“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,” said the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in an official statement.
The rescue operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and involved a joint task force comprising the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel.
The Benue State government also provided crucial support, ensuring that the necessary resources were available for the operation.
While the full details of the rescue operation remain sketchy, it has been confirmed that the students were located in the dense Ntunkon forest, a known hideout for criminal elements in Benue State.
The operation involved the use of advanced helicopters, drones, and specialized tactical vehicles to penetrate the forest and secure the release of the hostages.
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the rescue was carried out “tactically and professionally” without the payment of any ransom, contrary to some unverified reports circulating on social media.
“We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience,” he added, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to the success of the operation.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, who had earlier condemned the abduction, also praised the security forces for their swift action. “The safe return of these young Nigerians is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our security agencies.
“We must continue to support them as they work to protect our communities,” he said through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat of kidnapping in Benue State, particularly along the federal highway from Otukpo through Ugbokolo to Odoba and Otukpa.
