Gunmen have kidnapped more than 20 medical and dental students, including a house officer, in Benue State.
The students were on their way to attend the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were attacked. The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area, according to reports.
The kidnapped students are from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and said an investigation has begun.
“Yes, the report of the kidnapping is true. It was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and an investigation is ongoing,” she stated.
Beyond Boders further reports that so far, there has been no official demand for ransom or conditions for their release.
Kidnapping has become a major issue in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. Recently, there have been multiple cases of abductions, causing fear and insecurity in many communities.
In May, two female students from Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, were kidnapped.
In July, three staff members from Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, including the acting Rector, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were also abducted, with the kidnappers demanding a N70 million ransom.
In March, ten people were reportedly kidnapped at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
