Twenty medical and dental students, along with a House Officer, were kidnapped in Benue State while traveling to a convention. The kidnappers demanded $50 million and threatened to start killing the students if their demands were not met. The students' names have been released, heightening fears for their safety.
On August 16, 2024, it was confirmed by the State Police Command that 20 medical and dental students, along with a House Officer, were kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State. The students were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed in Otukpo around 5:30 pm.
The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students has released the names of those abducted. The list includes:
- Boniface Tizhe
- Thomas Yahaya
- Gabriel Jita Iwev
- Boniface Okon
- Dondo Fabian
- John Bitrus Naga
- Fortune Chima Umeh
- Godwin Gregory Tumba
- Monica Ejembi
- Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka
- Paul Nyampa Zira
- Lawrence Victory Adaugo
- Okopi Peter
- Enger Benedicta
- Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley
- Paul Shantong
- Victoria Cornelius
- Pius Samson
- Okan Adara
- Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu (House Officer)
The situation has heightened fears about the safety of the students and calls for immediate action from authorities. There is also growing concern about the effectiveness of the security measures in place, as the kidnappers' threats and demands continue to escalate. The police and other relevant agencies are under pressure to ensure the safe release of the students and to address the broader issue of kidnapping in Nigeria.
