The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action to rescue 20 medical students who were abducted on their way to Enugu for a conference. The incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and the NMA expressed deep concern over the students’ safety.
In a letter dated August 16, the NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, wrote, “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. These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”
The NMA’s letter, shared on the association’s X.com account, noted that one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area. An abduction note accompanied the message, further confirming the incident.
The NMA urged the police to “deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return,” emphasizing the potential risks to the students’ lives. “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 statement added.
Responding to the situation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped students. The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, condemned the abduction, calling it “reprehensible and callous.”
Adejobi said, “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students.”
The IGP’s directive includes the deployment of tactical units, helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims. “The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students,” Adejobi concluded.
