According to security sources, a group of 20 medical students who had been abducted in Benue State have recently been freed.
The office of the National Security Adviser orchestrated the operation.
The police, DSS, and military joined forces with the aid of the Benue State government to carry out the operation involving their personnel and equipment.
Although the students have been freed as per security sources, there is currently a lack of information regarding the rescue operation.
Last Friday, the media reported on the abduction of students which elicited responses from Nigerians who denounced Nigeria’s increasing occurrence of kidnappings.
According to reports, the victims were en route to Enugu State and had reached Otukpo Local Government area in Benue when they faced an attack by bandits.
While heading towards Enugu for an event, they encountered the abductors in the vicinity of Otukpo.
According to reports, the students were en route in a caravan comprising of two buses from the northern region when they encountered an ambush on Thursday evening at approximately 5:30 pm.
Several days after being kidnapped, the captors contacted the families of their victims and requested a ransom payment of ₦50 million in exchange for releasing them.
The rescue has been ordered by the IGP.
Upon hearing the appeals for assistance in rescuing the students, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, swiftly issued a directive to rescue those affected.
The kidnapping of students was condemned by the IGP as stated by ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.
“Truly appalling, callous and unacceptable,” is how Egbetokun characterized their kidnapping.
“In an exemplary demonstration of dedication towards the rescue, safety and welfare of Nigerian youngsters, the IGP has directed speedy deployment of a considerable array of human resources and specialized equipment to reinforce Benue State Command staff strength. Our beloved students’ rescue will be ensured through mobilization from supplementary tactical units such as FID-STS & FID-IRT; utilization/modern helicopters & drones along with special-purpose vehicles assisting in thriving search operations for producing safe return outcomes.”
During this difficult time, the Nigeria Police Force stands by the victims and their loved ones, pledging to ensure that the students are brought back safely.
The Inspector-General of Police restates the force’s fervor in leaving no stone unturned while pursuing both perpetrators and accomplices alike. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding its fight against crime and criminal activities, particularly those that involve kidnapping Nigerian citizens.
The general public is urged by the IGP to share any valuable information or actionable intelligence that can assist in continuing investigations and rescue efforts. Those possessing pertinent details are advised to reach out to their local police station, state command control number, FHQ through Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng or other available helplines.
The Nigeria Police Force is steadfast in its endeavor to safeguard all Nigerians’ lives and possessions. Furthermore, it will persistently strive towards upholding peace, stability alongside the country’s constitution.
Benue Kidnapping Incident
Over the last six years, traveling on the federal highway spanning from Otukpo and traversing Ugbokolo in the Okpokwu Local Government Area before culminating at Odoba and Otukpa located within Ogbadibu Local Government Area has become highly perilous. This is owing to a notorious band of kidnappers who dominate expansive forests and ungoverned areas along this road network, rendering it one of Nigeria’s deadliest routes.
A few weeks ago, the Rector-led management team of Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo was abducted in that area.
In addition to numerous kidnapping incidents involving motorists that were left unchecked, Catholic priests also fell victim to the menace along with several others.
