Newsonspot reports that twenty medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State have been rescued in a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The rescue, which took place on Friday night, was confirmed by security sources who spoke with Channels TV.
The operation was led by the office of the National Security Adviser and involved the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military personnel, and equipment, with support from the Benue State government.
The students were abducted on Thursday evening around 5:30 pm while traveling in a convoy of two buses en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
The group, who were coming from the northern part of the country, was ambushed during their journey. The kidnappers later contacted the families of the students, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
Following their abduction, the IG team arrived in Benue State on Monday and was promptly deployed to Otukpo in search of the abducted students.
About 48 hours after their abduction, one of the victims Aondona Kingsley, managed to get words across on his X to the outside world on their ordeal.
He said they were denied food during their first two days in captivity and were under threat of torture and death by the kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N50 million.
He said: “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian_Doctor. They are requesting for 50 million for 20 of us medical students. Please help us and we haven’t eaten for two days 08163420157 – Pius that is who we are gathering the money with.”
In a separate message, he said: “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
Among the captives were Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi and Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka.
Others are Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.
Spokesperson for the police command, Catherine Anene, in an SMS at 11:15 yesterday simply said: “Kidnap victims released. Details will be released tomorrow (today) morning please.”
Though the students have now regained their freedom, security sources have indicated that details of the rescue operation remain sketchy at this time. The successful rescue operation highlights the collaborative efforts of Nigeria’s security forces and the continued support of the Benue State government in ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The news of the students’ safe return is a significant relief to their families and the broader community, who had been anxiously awaiting their release.
