They were abducted by gunmen while on their way to Enugu to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in the city.

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 around 7pm.

From the list released by the Benue Medical Students Association (BEMSA) the abductees are 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.

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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 also said, “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.”

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“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.

Security agencies must get them out of kidnappers’ den –Gov Alia

In his reaction, Gov. Alia asked security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the students.

The governor also condemned the abduction and  warned criminal elements operating within the state to relocate as his administration would  not rest in its efforts to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expressed sadness over the incident.

The ministry described it as a stark reminder of the significant challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria.

The ministry lamented that the kidnapping was a significant setback to the nation’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce.

It called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and the house officer.

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The ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, asked the perpetrators of the dastardly act to desist from such criminal activities and respect the sanctity of human life.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stands in solidarity with the families of the kidnapped students and offers its full support during this difficult time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals and students across the country.”

Updated: Police deploy helicopters, drones as 20 abducted medical students cry for help