Twenty medical students who were recently kidnapped in Benue State have been rescued, according to security sources.
The operation, which was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, involved collaboration between various security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel, with the support of the Benue State government.
The students were abducted last Friday while traveling through the Otukpo Local Government area of Benue State on their way to Enugu State for a program. The convoy, consisting of two buses, was ambushed by bandits around 5:30 p.m.
In response to the abduction, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered an immediate rescue operation. “The kidnapping of these students is truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable,” IGP Egbetokun stated. “In a display of unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of these young Nigerians, I have ordered the prompt deployment of substantial human and technical resources to ensure their swift rescue.”
Egbetokun outlined that additional tactical units, helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles were deployed to facilitate the search and ensure the safe return of the students. “The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their families during this challenging time and is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, especially kidnapping,” the IGP added.
In recent years, the highway from Otukpo through Ugbokolo to Otukpa in Benue State has become notorious for kidnappings. Just weeks before this incident, the management team of Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo, led by the Rector, was also kidnapped in the same area.
The successful rescue of these students marks a significant victory for security forces, though concerns remain about the increasing frequency of such attacks on this route.
