Police confirm freedom of abducted medical student

Police confirm freedom of abducted medical student

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the release of 20 medical students who were abducted along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road.

The students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention when they were nabbed by bandits, which made the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to order the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped students, as reported by Dailyeconomy on August 17.

Confirming the student’s freedom from the kidnapper’s den on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a post shared on his X (formally Twitter) noted that no ransom was paid as people assumed on social media, stating that the students were tactically and professionally rescued from their abductors.

He wrote, “Release of 20 medical students and others. We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity on Friday 23rd August 2024 in Ntunkon forest, Benue State. Without any ransom paid.

“Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally.

“We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience. Thanks to you all. More details soon.”