The 22 medical students abducted on the Otukpo-Enugu Highway on Thursday reached out from the den of their kidnappers yesterday narrating the physical and psychological torture they have been passing through.

They said they have not had a meal since they were abducted while the gunmen who abducted them are demanding a ransom of N50 million with a threat to start killing them if the demand is not met.

However, a police operation aimed at rescuing them got underway yesterday.

Deployed for the operation were helicopters, drones and personnel at the instance of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia deplored the students’ abduction and prayed for their immediate rescue.

The 20 abductees, who are from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, were named yesterday.

They were seized by the gunmen while on their way to Enugu to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in the city.

The Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, Kate Aneene, said the students were travelling in two buses when the gunmen pounced on them on the Otukpo-Enugu highway at about 7pm on the fateful day.

On the list released yesterday by the Benue Medical Students Association (BEMSA) were Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi and Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka.

Others are Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.

The association said the list would be updated as more information came.

Our ordeal, by victims

One of the kidnapped students, Aondona Kingsley, managed to get words across on his X handle @King aondona yesterday, painting a picture of what they have been going through.

He said: “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian Doctor. They are requesting for 50 million for 20 of us medical students. Please help us. And we haven’t eaten for two days 08163420157 –Pius that is who we are gathering the money with.”

In a separate message, he said: “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”

Move commences for rescue operation

Inspector General Egbetokun described the abduction of the students as “truly appalling, callous and unacceptable.”

Spokesman for the Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that Egbetokun, in keeping with the police unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the young Nigerians, had “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.”

The move, according to the police spokesman, “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 specialised tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.”

He added: “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 Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng 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.”

We will not rest until our dear students have been rescued, alive, says NMA

The NMA in an open letter to the Police IG yesterday called for the swift intervention of the authorities in the “grave situation.”

“Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return,” it said in the letter signed by the association’s secretary general, Dr Benjamin Egbo.

The association said it was “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

It offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.

NANS: Their release must be unconditional

Senate President of NANS, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, asked government to swiftly and preemptively tackle violent acts.

He also called for heightened security presence in susceptible regions, enhanced intelligence collection and dissemination, and increased safeguarding of schools, medical centres and communities.

Criminals responsible for such acts, it added, must be identified and punished accordingly.

Security agencies must get them out of kidnappers’ den –Gov Alia

In his reaction, Gov. Alia asked security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the students.

The Governor also condemned the abduction and warned criminal elements operating within the state to relocate as his administration would not rest in its efforts to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.

Abduction saddens Health Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident.

The Ministry described it as a stark reminder of the significant challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria.

Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, the Ministry lamented that the kidnapping was a significant setback to the nation’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce.

The Ministry, however, called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and the house officer.

The Ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, asked the perpetrators of the dastardly act to desist from such criminal activities and respect the sanctity of human life.

He said: “The kidnapping of medical students is a setback to the nation’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

“It is crucial to create a safe and conducive environment for healthcare professionals to carry out their duties without fear of violence.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stands in solidarity with the families of the kidnapped students and offers its full support during this difficult time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals and students across the country.”

The incident occurred on the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle Road in Ekiti Local Government Area, around 3pm on the said date.

However, the state police command and members of vigilance groups and community leaders rallied round and rescued the victims.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the gunmen ambushed three commercial vehicles on the road and abducted the passengers.

The victims were subsequently led into the surrounding bush.

He said: “Upon receipt of this distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilsed the divisional patrol team and other tactical teams who launched a thorough search operation.

“The operation took place within the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.

“Through the concerted efforts of our police detectives, vigilante and community members, the team successfully rescued 20 victims. It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals.

“Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to hospital for urgent medical attention.

“The search for the perpetrators is still ongoing. Our men are diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travelers within Kwara State.” (The Nation)

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