A tense standoff continues in Benue State as kidnappers holding 20 medical and dental students demand a ransom of N50 million for their release.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were abducted while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu. They were ambushed by armed gunmen around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area of Benue State.
In a desperate plea for help, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, one of the kidnapped students, managed to post an urgent message on his X account from the kidnappers' hideout.
Quote
"We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention. They are requesting 50 million naira for the 20 of us medical students. Please help us; we haven't eaten for two days. Contact Pius at 08163420157—he is coordinating the funds,”
Kingsley wrote.Kingsley also warned that the kidnappers had threatened to begin executing the hostages if the ransom was not paid. "They said they would start killing us tomorrow," he added.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping on Friday morning, sparking widespread concern for the students' safety. The incident has been verified by multiple sources, including @Nigerian_Doctor, a social media account dedicated to medical issues, which urged security agencies to take immediate action.
“A House Officer (Dr. Louis) and over 20 medical and dental students have been kidnapped while traveling to their annual convention,” the account stated. “They were taken in Benue State, near Otukpo. We plead for urgent intervention.”
Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, acknowledged the report and stated that an investigation into the abduction is underway. "Yes, the report of kidnapping is true. The report was received around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and investigation is ongoing," Anene said.
Authorities are currently mobilizing resources to secure the release of the students and ensure their safe return.
Read his post below...
We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian_Doctor there are requesting for 50 million for 20 of us medical students please help us and we haven't eaten for two days
— Kingsley Aondona (@King_aondona) August 16, 2024
08163420157- pius that is who we are gathering the money with
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