Gunmen in Benue State have kidnapped more than 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, while they were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu. The abduction occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area, according to reports from Vanguard.
The victims, reportedly from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were ambushed during their journey. SP Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that the abduction report was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and that an investigation is currently underway.
“No official demand for ransom or conditions for their release have been made at this time,” PUNCH Online reported on Friday.
Benue State has seen a significant rise in kidnapping incidents, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the region. Earlier this year, in May, two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, were kidnapped by gunmen. In July, three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were abducted, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N70 million. Additionally, ten people were reportedly kidnapped in March at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area.
The alarming increase in kidnappings highlights the urgent need for strengthened security measures to protect citizens and address the underlying causes of this growing criminal activity.