In a recent escalation of efforts to rescue 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has dispatched additional detectives and resources to the area.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were abducted on Thursday evening while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention in Enugu. They were traveling on the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu road when they were seized.
On Saturday, Egbetokun had already ordered the deployment of tactical operatives, along with helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to expedite the rescue mission. This move was part of a broader strategy to ensure the prompt and safe return of the abducted students.
In a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the IGP had further intensified the operation by sending more trained detectives to Benue State.
Adejobi emphasized the IGP’s commitment to rescuing the students unharmed and called for public support and patience during this critical period. “The IG reiterates commitment to rescuing the kidnapped medical students in Benue unhurt. He calls for understanding and support as more trained detectives arrive in Benue,” Adejobi said.
The police have urged citizens to continue providing confidential information that could aid in the rescue operation. Adejobi also cautioned against discussing sensitive details of the case on social media, which could potentially hinder ongoing efforts.
“We commend those who share information with us confidentially, while we advise those who discuss vital information about the incident on social media to desist, as such may disrupt the ongoing operations. Kindly share information with us in confidence,” he added.
In response to the abduction, the University of Jos Alumni Association has called for the immediate release of the 12 students from their institution who are among those kidnapped.
Gad Peter, the chairman of the association in Plateau State, issued a statement condemning the abduction and highlighting the broader implications for education in Nigeria.
“The University of Jos Alumni, Plateau State chapter, condemns the recent abduction of some medical students of the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri by some criminal elements in Benue State,” Peter said.
“This ugly incident once again points to the threat on our highways and a clear and present danger to the search for education and knowledge.”
The incident has sparked widespread concern about security on Nigerian roads and the safety of students traveling for academic events. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and rescue the kidnapped students while ensuring their safe return.
