The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urgently appealed to Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to secure the release of 20 medical students abducted while traveling to Enugu for a conference.
In a letter dated August 16 and signed by Dr. Benjamin Egbo, NMA Secretary-General, the association highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.”
The letter reveals that the students, 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.
The abduction occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State. One of the kidnapped students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area, accompanied by an abduction note.
The NMA has voiced deep concern over the safety and well-being of the students, urging the police to deploy all necessary resources for their immediate and safe return. The letter emphasised, “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.”
Dr. Egbo further stated, “The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.” The NMA also offered to assist in the police’s efforts to rescue the abducted students.
