Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) officials are working with police and security agencies to secure the release of 20 medical students who were kidnapped while traveling in Benue State. The students, who were on their way to an annual convention in Enugu, were taken by unknown assailants. Reports indicate that a ransom demand has been made for their release. The NMA has expressed grave concern for the safety of the students, emphasizing the importance of swift action to secure their return.
The students, 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were abducted in the Oglewu Ehaje area. Nigerian police, led by the governor of Benue State, are intensifying efforts to ensure the safe release of the students. The national police have deployed helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles to aid in the search and rescue operation.
Kidnapping cases have been on the rise in Nigeria due to economic hardships, leading to more people turning to crime. Many families feel they have no choice but to pay ransoms demanded by kidnappers, despite a law banning such payments. The NMA is committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and will continue to work with authorities to achieve this goal.
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