There is growing anger and concern as the authorities have yet to secure the release of 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State six days ago. The students, from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos, were abducted while en route to a medical conference.
Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, the second vice president of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), revealed that the kidnappers have opened negotiations with the students’ families, demanding a ransom of N50 million for their release.
In a telephone conversation, Dr. Anenga stated, “This is a security matter, so we cannot divulge details, but we are working closely with all security agencies to ensure their safe return. The kidnappers have allowed the students to contact their families, and they have been making calls to their loved ones. We hope for their swift release.”
Comrade Ayator Ngufan, president of the Benue Medical Students Association at Benue State University, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country, where even students are not spared. He noted that the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) conference, which the abducted students were attending, ended yesterday with prayers for their safe return.
Ngufan called on the government to take immediate action to ensure the students’ release so they can resume their studies. He also disclosed that a medical doctor accompanying the students was among those abducted.
The abduction, which occurred on Thursday, August 15, 2024, involved 20 medical students, including 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri. The students were traveling to a conference organized by FECAMDS in Enugu when they were kidnapped in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The University of Jos has officially reported the incident to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police. The university’s Deputy Registrar of Information and Publication, Abdullahi Abdullahi, expressed optimism that the students would be rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, the Community of Tiv Students Association at the University of Maiduguri has revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million, which has since been reduced to N20 million. The association expressed deep concern for the safety of its members and urged the government and security agencies to expedite efforts to secure their release.
The University of Maiduguri Students’ Association (UMMESA) also issued a statement urging immediate and collective action to ensure the students’ safe return. The statement detailed the abduction and emphasized the urgency of the situation.
As of now, the University of Maiduguri is still awaiting updates from security agencies regarding the students’ whereabouts and any ongoing rescue efforts. Prof. Danjuma, Director of Radio and Publicity at the university, confirmed that security agencies are actively working on the case but could not confirm whether any ransom had been demanded.
