Police: 20 abducted medical students have been released — no ransom was paid

The Benue police command says 20 medical and dental students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos have been released.

Catherine Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, told TheCable that the students were rescued on Friday night.

She said details of the rescue operation will be released later.

On August 16, gunmen abducted the students in the Otukpo area of Benue state.

The students were on their way to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.

In a statement, Muyiwa Adejobi, force public relations officer, said no ransom was involved in the release of the students.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), had described the abduction as a “callous act”.

The IGP had ordered the deployment of additional operatives to augment the manpower of the Benue police command over the rescue of the students. 

There has been an uptick in kidnapping for ransom across Nigeria in recent times.