Following the abduction of 20 medical students of the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri travelling to an annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu, the Nigeria Police has vowed to rescue them swiftly.
The students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State were forced to solicit N50 million through their social media accounts or they would be killed.
One of the abducted students identified as Kingsley Aondana wrote on his social media handle; “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian_Doctor there 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.”
Meanwhile, social media has been filled with calls to the Police to rescue the doctors swiftly and other people who are being held in captivity.
In response to being tagged on social media, the Police through a statement issued by its Spokesman Prince Olumuyiwa on Saturday condemned the abduction of the students and ordered prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command to ensure swift rescue.
The statement reads as follows;
IGP CONDEMNS ABDUCTION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN BENUE, PROMISES FULL COMMITMENT TO SWIFT RESCUE.
Orders Deployment of Tactical Operatives, Assets
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State, while en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu. This reprehensible act is truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable
In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command, and ensure swift rescue of our beloved students. This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.
The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.
The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the state’s command control number or the FHQ via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other help lines.
The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
17TH AUGUST 2024.
