Gunmen Kidnap Over 20 Medical Students in Benue

Gunmen have kidnapped more than 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, in Benue State. The kidnap took place as the students were on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu. The attack was said to have occurred. in the Otukpo area on Thursday around 5:30 p.m.

The students involved in the incident were from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. The news of the kidnapping was confirmed by the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene. “Yes, the report of the kidnapping is true. It was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and an investigation is ongoing,” Anene stated.

As of Friday, no official demand for ransom or conditions for the release of the kidnapped students had been made. The incident adds to the growing concern over the increasing rate of kidnappings in Benue State and across Nigeria.

Benue State has experienced a surge in kidnapping cases in recent months. In May, two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, were kidnapped. In July, three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were abducted, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N70 million. Additionally, in March, ten people were reportedly kidnapped in the Jootar community at the Taraba/Benue border.

This alarming rise in kidnappings highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures in the region. Criminal groups have increasingly targeted individuals and groups, often demanding hefty ransoms, leaving communities in fear and insecurity.

The abduction of the medical students has sparked widespread concern, with calls for immediate action to ensure their safe return and to address the root causes of this wave of criminality in Nigeria.