20 UNIJOS Medical Students Kidnapped in Benue State

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, twenty medical students heading to a conference in Enugu were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State. The group includes 12 students from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, who were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention.

The abduction has caused widespread fear and outrage, particularly within the medical community. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N50 million and threatened to start executing the students if their demands are not met by Saturday, August 17, escalating the urgency for their safe return.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the kidnapping and has mobilized additional resources, including tactical units and aerial support, to expedite the rescue operation. The public is urged to provide any information that could help recover the students. The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern and has called on all security agencies to prioritize the rescue efforts.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have expressed their distress, highlighting the attack’s impact on Nigeria’s healthcare future. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has demanded the immediate rescue of the students, warning criminals to leave the state or face severe consequences.

The kidnapping has triggered significant reactions on social media, with calls for action and criticisms of the response speed compared to threats against political figures. There are concerns about student safety and the broader implications for national security, with accusations that modern technology is being used for ransom demands, representing a new form of cyber-terrorism.

This incident not only jeopardizes the lives of these medical students but also threatens Nigeria’s healthcare system, sparking renewed debates on security and the need for stronger protections for educational and medical personnel.