Medical Students from Two Nigerian Universities Abducted en Route to Catholic Conference

Jos, 16 August, 2024 / 10:51 PM

Some 20 Medical students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Nigeria were on the evening of Thursday, August 15 abducted on their way to a Catholic conference.

Nigeria's local media has published the names of the students who were reportedly kidnapped along the Otukpo-Enugu highway in Nigeria's Benue State.

Earlier reports had indicated the kidnapping of 18 students, 12 from UNIJOS and six from UNIMAID.

The students were abducted at 5:30 pm while traveling to Enugu State University of Technology to attend the annual conference of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) scheduled to take place this weekend.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on the morning of Friday, August 16 saying, “This information is received and investigation is ongoing.”

The vice chancellor of UNIJOS is also said to have confirmed the abduction of students from the institution, adding that security agencies had already been informed about the incident.

“Yes, I am aware of the information. I got the information since yesterday. We have informed security agencies. We are following up of course to have more details,” Tanko Ishaya is quoted as saying.

The Professor adds, “We have been informed that 12 of our students and six students of the University of Maiduguri were actually traveling to Enugu and got kidnapped, I think, between Otukpo and; I can’t remember exactly the point, but I have this information.”

“We have duly informed the security agencies, we are following up, we are waiting for further information on getting the students out of this difficult situation, and I am sure they [security] will facilitate it [release of students],” he said.

In another report, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation had been launched into the abduction.

“Yes, the report of the kidnapping is true. It was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and an investigation is ongoing,” Ms. Anene said.

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and killings.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009. The group that aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic State.

The latest abduction and release of Fr. Oliver Buba follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in the West African country.