Over 20 Medical Students Abducted by Gunmen in Benue

Gunmen have kidnapped over 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, in Benue State. The students, who were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu, were ambushed around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area, according to reports The victims are said to be from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson SP Catherine Anene stating that the incident is under investigation. “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 ransom demands or conditions for their release have been made.

Kidnapping has become a widespread issue in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, leaving communities in constant fear and insecurity. This incident adds to a growing list of abductions in the state. In May, two female students from Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture in Makurdi were kidnapped. In July, three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were abducted, with a ransom of N70 million demanded. Earlier in March, ten people were reportedly kidnapped at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area.

This alarming rise in kidnappings across Nigeria reflects a broader surge in criminal activities where individuals and groups are targeted for hefty ransoms. The escalation of such incidents highlights the urgent need for strengthened security measures to protect citizens and address the underlying causes driving this wave of criminality.