Tension is rising across Nigeria following the recent abduction of medical students in two separate incidents in Benue and Enugu states. Concerned authorities, including Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Federal Ministry of Health, have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students and ensure their safety.
Last Friday, 20 medical students traveling from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos were ambushed and kidnapped by gunmen near Otukpo while on their way to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention. This tragic incident took place along the notorious Otukpo-Enugu highway, an area that has become known for frequent kidnappings and criminal activities over the past few years.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia warned criminals operating in the state to leave immediately, as his administration is determined to put an end to all forms of criminality. “We will not rest until peace is restored,” the statement emphasized.
The Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Enugu axis, where the incident occurred, has become a hotbed for kidnappings, with several incidents involving road users, Catholic priests, and even the management of Benue State Polytechnic in recent months.
In response to the recent abduction, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take swift action to rescue the kidnapped medical students. The NMA expressed deep concern for their safety and urged the police to act quickly and decisively.
The Federal Ministry of Health also issued a strong statement condemning the kidnapping. The Ministry called for the immediate and unconditional release of the students, stressing that their abduction is a significant setback to the nation’s healthcare system. “This incident highlights the serious challenges facing healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria,” the Ministry stated.
Meanwhile, fear has also gripped the Enugu State College of Health Technology in Oji River, following the abduction of three students last Wednesday. According to sources, suspected criminal elements, believed to be herdsmen, stormed the students’ hostels, abducting the students amidst chaos and gunfire. This has left many students fleeing the campus in fear.
A student from the college, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that the three students have not been in contact since the incident. “The kidnappers shot into the air before they took the students away. Everyone was running for their lives,” the student said.
The Enugu State Police Command, however, attempted to quell the growing fears. According to their spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, two of the abducted students were rescued shortly after the incident, while efforts continue to find the remaining three victims.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered our operatives to ensure the missing students are found and the criminals apprehended,” DSP Ndukwe assured.
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) also reacted to the abduction, urging security agencies to intensify protection efforts around campuses, particularly those in rural areas. They also called on the Enugu State Governor to improve the security infrastructure of the college, specifically calling for the construction of a fence around the school to control access and protect the students.
