Twenty medical students on their way to a conference in Enugu were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State on Thursday, August 15, 2024. The group included 12 students from the University of Jos and 8 students from the University of Maiduguri who were on their way to the annual conference of the Catholic Medical and Dental Students Federation.
The kidnapping has sparked widespread fear and outrage, especially in the medical community. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of 50 million naira and threatened to begin executing the students if their demands are not met by Saturday, August 17, increasing the urgency for their safe return.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the kidnapping and has mobilised additional resources, including tactical units and air support, to speed up the rescue operation. The public is urged to come forward with any information that could help rescue the students. The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern and called on all security agencies to prioritise the rescue efforts.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have expressed their grief, highlighting the impact of the attack on the future of healthcare in Nigeria. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for the immediate rescue of the students, warning the criminals to leave the state or face dire consequences.
The kidnapping has sparked significant reactions on social media, with calls for action and criticism of the speed of the response compared to threats against political figures. There are concerns about the safety of students and the wider implications for national security, with allegations that modern technology being used to demand ransom represents a new form of cyber-terrorism.
The incident not only endangered the lives of the medical students but also threatened Nigeria’s health care system, sparking fresh debates about security and the need for tighter protection for education and health workers.
