Strongly condemning the recent kidnapping incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed outrage over the abduction of more than 20 medical and dental students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos in Benue State.
According to reports from NewsNow, the students were forcefully taken by armed individuals on Thursday evening while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
The unfortunate event took place at approximately 5:30 PM in the Otukpo area of Benue State, where the students, accompanied by a House Officer, fell into the hands of kidnappers during their journey.
Confirming the abduction, the State Police Command briefed the media on Friday morning.
In a statement released by NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, on Friday, the student organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their fellow students.
NANS also appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students.
Addressing the prevailing insecurity in the country, the statement highlighted the recent incidents, including the abduction and murder of passengers in Ondo State, as well as the brutal killing of a farmer by herdsmen in Oba Akoko, Ondo State.
Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, NANS extended their deepest sympathies and urged the government to take prompt action to curb these senseless acts of violence and prevent their recurrence.
The student association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of Nigerian students, emphasizing the government’s responsibility in ensuring the right to education and implementing effective national security strategies.
NANS called for urgent actions, including the swift rescue of the abducted individuals, enhanced security presence in vulnerable areas of Benue and Ondo States, improved intelligence gathering and sharing, and intensified protection for schools, medical facilities, and communities.
Furthermore, the student body demanded the prosecution of the culprits and their accomplices within security forces, educational institutions, and government agencies.
NANS urged the governors of the affected states to collaborate closely with federal authorities to address the escalating security challenges in their respective regions.