Sources confirm that 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State have been rescued, thanks to a coordinated operation led by the National Security Adviser.
The operation involved multiple security agencies, including the police, DSS, and military personnel, with crucial support from the Benue State government.
While the students are now free, details of the rescue are still emerging. The abduction, which was reported last Friday, had sparked widespread condemnation of the rising kidnapping crisis in Nigeria. The students were traveling to Enugu State when they were ambushed by bandits near Otukpo Local Government Area.
The convoy, consisting of two buses, was attacked on Thursday evening as they journeyed from the northern part of the country. Shortly after the kidnapping, the captors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million from the victims’ families.
In response to the crisis, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun swiftly mobilized resources for the rescue effort. A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the deployment of tactical units, helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles to ensure the students’ safe return.
The IGP condemned the abduction as “appalling and unacceptable” and assured the public of the police force’s dedication to combating such crimes. He also urged citizens to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
The federal highway from Otukpo to surrounding areas has become notorious for kidnappings in recent years, with little success in curbing the threat. This recent incident adds to a troubling pattern of abductions in the region, including the kidnapping of the Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo management team and several other cases.
