The Nigerian Medical Association has in a letter called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the release of the 20 medical students abducted on their way to Enugu for a conference.
The letter dated August 16 read and signed by the NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo said, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.
“These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”
The IGP had ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students.
In the letter, the association said the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area. The message was said to have been accompanied by an abduction note, further confirming the incident.
The association expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students and urged the police to deploy the necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.
The statement added, “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.
“The Nigerian Medical Association is 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.”
The NMA also offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.
Meanwhile, The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the rescue of the 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Saturday in Abuja, said the IGP condemned the kidnapping of students.
The medical students were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
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 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.”
