Crime

20 Medical Students Rescued After Abduction in Benue

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 24th, 2024.

20 Medical Students Rescued After Abduction in Benue

According to security sources, 20 medical students who had been abducted in Benue State have been successfully rescued. The operation, overseen by the National Security Adviser, involved a coordinated effort from police, DSS, and military forces, supported by the Benue State government.

While the students are now free, specifics about the rescue mission remain unclear. The abduction, reported last Friday, has drawn significant public attention, with many Nigerians condemning the increasing rate of kidnappings in the country.

The students were on their way to Enugu State, passing through Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue, when they were seized by bandits.

The area from Otukpo through Ugbokolo to Odoba and Otukpa has gained notoriety as a dangerous route due to the presence of organized kidnapping syndicates operating in the surrounding forests and unregulated spaces. Recently, the management team of Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo, including the Rector, was also abducted in this region.

This incident adds to a growing list of kidnappings affecting various individuals, including Catholic priests and motorists, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address this pervasive issue.