The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 20 medical students kidnapped on 15 August 2024 while traveling through Benue State were rescued by the police, with support from the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The successful operation involved a gunfight, resulting in the death of a kidnapping kingpin and the arrest of two other gang members.
The students, from the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri, were on their way to a medical students conference in Enugu when they were abducted. During the rescue mission, which took place on Thursday, seven additional victims were also freed. The police recovered weapons from the suspects, who are now in custody providing valuable information to help dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abductions.
The operation, praised for its complexity and careful execution, was carried out without the payment of any ransom. The Vice Chancellors of the involved universities commended the efforts of the police and security agencies, with the University of Jos management planning to address the trauma experienced by the students.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a significant issue in parts of Benue and other Nigerian states, perpetrated by various armed groups.
