Twenty medical students from the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri, who were abducted in Benue State last week, have been rescued, the State Police Command confirmed late last night.
The students’ freedom was secured through the collaborative efforts of the military, police, and the Department of State Security (DSS), with coordination from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Details of the operation remain scarce, but the news brings immense relief to the families, friends, and peers of the students.
The Police Command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, sent a brief message at 11:15 p.m. yesterday, stating, “Kidnap victims released. Details will be released tomorrow (today) morning please.”
The students were taken hostage two Thursdays ago while traveling on the Otukpo-Enugu Highway to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
Just 48 hours after their abduction, one of the victims, Aondona Kingsley, managed to send out a distress message via his X account, revealing their dire situation.
“We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian_Doctor. They are requesting 50 million for 20 of us medical students. Please help us, and we haven’t eaten for two days,” Kingsley wrote, sharing the phone number of Pius, a contact person for gathering the ransom.In a separate message, Kingsley added, “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
The rescued students include Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi, Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka, Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara, and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.
