Some of the Rescued Medical Students

Nigerian police successfully secured the release of 20 medical and dental students who were kidnapped while en route to a convention in Benue State. The students, hailing from the University of Jos (12) and the University of Maiduguri (8), were ambushed and abducted on August 15 while traveling to Enugu for the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students gathering.

Contrary to rumors and unconfirmed reports, no ransom was paid for their release. Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized that not a single kobo exchanged hands. Instead, the students were tactically and professionally rescued. The police have yet to provide detailed information about the rescue operation, including whether any of the kidnappers were apprehended or neutralized.

Sheba Bako, wife of one of the kidnapped medical students, expressed immense relief upon learning of their release. She shared, “I am so happy they have been freed. He called us around 11 p.m. last night. Although he is not yet home, as they have taken them to Abuja for a medical check-up, I am grateful to God that they made it out alive.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, swiftly deployed additional police resources to bolster the Benue State Command’s capabilities and ensure the students’ safe return. The incident was described by the police chief as “appalling, callous, and unacceptable.”

Kidnapping for ransom remains a prevalent issue in parts of Benue State and other regions in Nigeria, with various armed groups perpetrating such crimes.