Gunmen have abducted more than 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, in Benue State.
The incident occurred while the students were traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu. According to reports, the ambush took place around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area.
The kidnapped individuals are said to be students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
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The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction and mentioned that the authorities are currently investigating the incident. “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,” she stated.
No official demands for ransom or conditions for the release of the victims have been made.
Kidnappings have become increasingly common in Benue and other parts of Nigeria, instilling fear and insecurity in communities.
In recent months, the state has witnessed several abductions. In May, two female students from Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture in Makurdi were kidnapped, and in July, three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, were abducted, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of ₦70 million. Additionally, ten people were kidnapped in March at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area.
This alarming rise in kidnappings highlights the urgent need for improved security measures to protect citizens and address the underlying causes driving this wave of criminality across the country.
