Gunmen abduct 21 medical students in Benue State

Over 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, have been abducted by gunmen in Benue State, Nigeria, while on their way to a national convention. The shocking incident occurred on Thursday around 5:30 pm in the Otukpo area as the students, who are said to be from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were traveling to attend the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.

The abduction has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the growing insecurity in Benue State and other regions of Nigeria. SP Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the grim news, stating, “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.” Anene also mentioned that, as of now, the kidnappers have not made any ransom demands, adding to the tension and uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Kidnappings have become disturbingly frequent in Benue State, underscoring a deepening security crisis. Just a few months ago, in May, two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture in Makurdi were taken by force. Then, in July, three staff members of Benue State Polytechnic, including the acting Rector, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were kidnapped, with their captors demanding a ransom of ₦70 million. In March, ten individuals were reportedly abducted in Jootar, a community on the Taraba/Benue border.

This latest incident has reignited calls for urgent and effective security measures to be implemented across the region. As kidnappings continue to rise, the fear and anxiety among residents grow, making it clear that the safety of citizens is increasingly under threat. The government and security agencies face mounting pressure to address this alarming trend and restore peace and security in Benue State and beyond.

Source: businessday