A group of gunmen has successfully abducted over 20 medical and dental students as well as a house officer in Benue State.
The unfortunate event took place as the students were en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu. The incident occurred around 5.30pm in the Otukpo area, as reported by Vanguard.
The kidnapped individuals are said to be affiliated with the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
SP Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the abduction and mentioned that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Regarding the incident, SP Catherine Anene stated, “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.”
As of the latest update from PUNCH Online, there have been no official ransom demands or conditions for the release of the abducted individuals.
The surge in kidnapping cases in Benue and various parts of Nigeria has instilled fear and insecurity in the communities, with frequent reports of abductions.
Earlier incidents include the kidnapping of two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State in May, and the abduction of three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, with a ransom demand of N70m in July.
Notably, in March, ten individuals were reportedly abducted at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, located in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The concerning increase in such criminal activities highlights the critical need for improved security measures to safeguard citizens and combat the underlying factors driving this surge in criminal behavior.