More than 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, have been kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State.
The students were traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area.
The victims are reported to be from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction and stated that an investigation is underway. “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,” she said.
As of now, no official demand for ransom or conditions for their release have been made. Kidnapping has become increasingly prevalent in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, with frequent abductions causing widespread fear and insecurity.
Recent incidents include the kidnapping of two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in May, and the abduction of three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, in July. In March, ten people were kidnapped in the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area.
The rise in kidnapping incidents highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and address the underlying causes of this criminal activity.
