Benue State, Nigeria – The abduction of approximately 20 medical students in Benue State has sparked outrage and concern across the nation, with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urging swift action from security agencies to ensure their safe return. The students, who attend the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were kidnapped on Thursday evening in the Otukpo area while en route to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention.

In a statement released on Friday, NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, condemned the kidnapping and called on the federal government to address the rising insecurity in the country. Adewumi highlighted the growing threat to public safety, referencing other recent violent incidents, including the abduction and killing of passengers in Ondo State and the murder of a farmer in Oba Akoko, also in Ondo State.

“This heinous act is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in our nation,” Adewumi stated. “We express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families, and demand that the government takes immediate and proactive measures to address these senseless acts of violence and prevent future occurrences.”

NANS has also expressed its readiness to engage with the federal government to find solutions to the ongoing crisis. The student body emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, particularly students, under both the right to education and the national security strategy.

In addition to calling for the immediate rescue of the abducted students, NANS urged for an increased security presence in vulnerable areas of Benue and Ondo States, enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing, and stronger protection for schools, medical facilities, and communities. The organization also demanded the prosecution of the perpetrators, as well as any collaborators within security forces, educational institutions, and government agencies.

NANS further appealed to the governors of the affected states to work closely with federal authorities to address the ongoing security challenges.

The police, meanwhile, have launched an investigation into the abduction, with state police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirming that efforts are underway to locate and rescue the students. No further details have been released regarding the kidnappers’ demands or the progress of the investigation.

The abduction of the medical students marks yet another troubling incident in the Middle Belt region, where kidnappings and other forms of violence have become alarmingly frequent. The incident has reignited calls for the government to take more decisive action to combat the rising tide of insecurity.

As the situation continues to unfold, the nation remains on edge, awaiting further developments and hoping for the safe return of the kidnapped students.

Credit: Sahara Reporters.