On Saturday, August 24, 2024, security agents successfully rescued 20 medical students and seven others who had been kidnapped by armed bandits in Benue State. The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort by the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were on their way to Enugu for the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students when they were abducted. Their kidnapping sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy tactical teams, including helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles, to ensure their swift rescue.
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During the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was shot dead by security forces, and two others were arrested. The students were located in the Ajide forest within the Ukwonyo council ward of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State.
According to one officer involved in the operation, “We were able to get the spot on Friday while they [the kidnappers] tried to shield themselves with the victims. But with massive pressure, they tried to escape, and in the process, one of them was neutralized, and two apprehended.”
The operation was closely coordinated by the National Security Adviser in Abuja, utilizing both land and air assets to track down the kidnappers. Following their rescue, the students were immediately taken to Abuja, where they are currently undergoing medical checks at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) clinic. They are expected to be reunited with their families by Monday or Tuesday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the rescue, emphasizing that no ransom was paid.
“Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience,” Adejobi stated.
The parents of one of the rescued students, Kingsley Fagar, expressed their immense relief after learning of their son’s release. Kingsley’s father, Donald Fagar, shared that this was the second time his son had narrowly escaped death.
“Each time, he escaped by a whisker,” Fagar said, recalling how Kingsley was previously attacked during a religious crisis in 2022.
Kingsley’s mother, Cecilia, gave thanks to God for her son’s safe return.
“Since the news of the release, I have been receiving phone calls; friends, family members, and neighbors congratulating us as we look forward to welcoming our son home anytime soon,” she said.
She also mentioned that Kingsley had called her to report that his legs were swollen from being forced to trek long distances through the bush by the kidnappers.
In the hometown of another rescued student, Paul Shantong, there was an outpouring of joy and relief. Scores of well-wishers visited his family’s home to celebrate his release.
One neighbor, Hanatu Gyang, described the news of Paul’s abduction as devastating, saying, “It was as if somebody died. It’s really a big relief to some of us because the thought of losing him, a medical student, to kidnappers, was unbearable.”
Paul’s mother also expressed her gratitude, saying, “I give God the glory for what He has done.”
She has not yet seen her son, as he is still in Abuja for medical checks, but she spoke with him on the phone and confirmed his safety.
Students at the University of Maiduguri were overjoyed by the news of their colleagues’ rescue.
Muhammad Bello, President of the Student Union Government, expressed the community’s sense of relief, stating, “We feel the essence of hope and renewed faith in the power of collaborative action.”
The President of the University of Maiduguri Medical and Dental Students Association, Yakubu Abdul, added, “Our students have been celebrating on social media and even physically. We are hopeful and can’t wait for them to be returned to us as soon as possible to continue with their academic programs.”
The successful rescue operation has been widely praised, with many commending the security agencies and the Nigerian government for their prompt and effective response in securing the safe return of the kidnapped students.