BENUE The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the release of 20 medical students and others abducted on their way to Enugu in Benue State.
A few days after their abduction, their captors had established contact with the victims’ families, demandin..
The victims, who were being held in the Ntunkon forest in the ADO Local Government Area of Benue state, were freed on Friday by the office of the National Security Adviser without having to pay a ransom, pursuant to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Three helicopters were utilized for the operation, and some individuals were neutralized while others were apprehended.
On Thursday, August 15, the medical students and doctors who were with them were abducted as they traveled to a medical convention.
Without any ransom being paid, the statement read. As opposed to certain unconfirmed rumors and tweets claiming that money was paid. They weren’t paid a dime to be rescued. In reality, they were professionally and successfully rescued.
We commend the hard work and dedication of the ONSA, the residents, and the security services.
When word of the students’ disappearance broke last Friday, Nigerians reacted by condemning the nation’s frighteningly high prevalence of kidnappings.
Three helicopters were used for the operation, a reliable source informed Channels Television, and certain individuals were neutralized while others were detained.
On Thursday, August 15, the medical students and the physicians who were with them were abducted as they traveled to a medical convention.
Without any ransom being paid, the statement read. As opposed to certain unverified rumors and tweets claiming that money was paid. They weren’t paid a dime to be released. In actuality, they were expertly and effectively saved.
IGP orders rescue
Responding to calls for the rescue of the students, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, immediately ordered the rescue of the victims.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the kidnapping of students.
Egbetokun described their abduction as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable”.
He said, “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students.
This initiative 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 specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
“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.”
