The abductors of 20 medical and dental students in Benue State have demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release.
News About Nigeria reported that the students were said to have been travelling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed around 5.30 p.m. in the Otukpo area.
A house officer was reportedly kidnapped alongside the students, who are from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
One of the kidnapped students, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, managed to send a distress message via his X account, pleading for help.
“We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention. They are requesting 50 million naira for the 20 of us medical students. Please help us; we haven’t eaten for two days. Contact Pius at 08163420157—he is coordinating the funds,” he wrote, sharing a contact for those willing to assist.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with social media accounts, including one focused on medical issues, urging security agencies to intervene urgently.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson SP Catherine Anene stating that an investigation is underway.
“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,” the police spokesperson stated.
Authorities and concerned citizens are now rallying for an urgent resolution to the crisis, as the students’ lives hang in the balance.
In July, gunmen abducted three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, and demanded a N70 million ransom.
