The 22 medical students abducted on the Otukpo-Enugu Highway on Thursday reached out from the den of their kidnappers yesterday narrating the physical and psychological torture they have been passing through.
They said they have not had a meal since they were abducted while the gunmen who abducted them are demanding a ransom of N50 million with a threat to start killing them if the demand is not met.
However, a police operation aimed at rescuing them got underway yesterday.
Deployed for the operation were helicopters, drones and personnel at the instance of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia deplored the students’ abduction and prayed for their immediate rescue.
The 20 abductees, who are from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, were named yesterday.
They were seized by the gunmen while on their way to Enugu to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in the city.
The Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, Kate Aneene, said the students were travelling in two buses when the gunmen pounced on them on the Otukpo-Enugu highway at about 7pm on the fateful day.
On the list released yesterday by the Benue Medical Students Association (BEMSA) were Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi and Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka.
Others are Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.
The association said the list would be updated as more information came.
One of the kidnapped students, Aondona Kingsley, managed to get words across on his X handle @King aondona yesterday, painting a picture of what they have been going through.
He said: “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian Doctor. They 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.”
In a separate message, he said: “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
Inspector General Egbetokun described the abduction of the students as “truly appalling, callous and unacceptable.”
Spokesman for the Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that Egbetokun, in keeping with the police unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the young Nigerians, had “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.”
The move, according to the police spokesman, “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 specialised tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.”
He added: “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 the state’s command control number or the FHQ via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other helplines.
“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.”
The NMA in an open letter to the Police IG yesterday called for the swift intervention of the authorities in the “grave situation.”
“Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return,” it said in the letter signed by the association’s secretary general, Dr Benjamin Egbo.
The association said it was “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”
It offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.
Senate President of NANS, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, asked government to swiftly and preemptively tackle violent acts.
He also called for heightened security presence in susceptible regions, enhanced intelligence collection and dissemination, and increased safeguarding of schools, medical centres and communities.
Criminals responsible for such acts, it added, must be identified and punished accordingly.
-Thenation
