20 Kidnapped Nigerian Medical Students Rescued by Police

Twenty medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, kidnapped on August 15 in Benue State, have been released. The students were abducted while traveling to Enugu for a convention. Their rescue was confirmed late Friday by the Benue State Police, following a joint operation by security forces coordinated by the National Security Adviser.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the release of 20 students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos who were kidnapped by gunmen in the north-central region on August 15.

The Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, announced their rescue to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) late Friday night in Makurdi, at around 11:15 p.m.

According to NAN, the students were on their way to Enugu for the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention when they were abducted in Otukpo. A House Officer traveling with them was also taken.

Anene declined to provide further details on the rescue, stating, “The victims have been released. More information will be provided tomorrow (Saturday) morning.”

The students’ release follows five days of intense operations after the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a tactical squad to Benue and instructed the state’s Commissioner of Police to relocate to Otukpo.

It is reported that a joint effort by security agencies, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped students.

READ ALSO: Tension as Bandits Kidnap 20 Medical Students in Benue

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PREMIUM TIMES