The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, and Federal Ministry of Health has called on security agencies to take steps to rescue the 20 medical students abducted in the state last Friday, August 16.
Recall that 20 medical Students were reportedly abducted along the bushy Otukpo-Enugu highway while on their way to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, FECAMDS, annual convention.
Governor Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, warned the “criminal elements operating within the state to find another base, as his administration would not rest on its oars to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.”
The Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Enugu axis of Benue state has become notorious for kidnap of motorists in the last few years.
Only recently, the management team of Benue State Polytechnic, led by the rector, Catholic priests and several road users who were abducted on the same axis.
Similarly, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, also charged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the prompt and safe release of the 20 medical student doctors.
In a letter signed by NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, and copied to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and the Minister of Education, and dated August 16, reads: “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare further called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 20 abducted medical students.
They stated this in a statement on its X handle @Fmohnigeria and signed by an Assistant Director (Information & PR), Ado Bako, describing the kidnap of the medical students as a severe setback to Nigeria’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system.
The statement, dated August 17, 2024, and titled “The kidnapping of medical Students in Benue” read: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is deeply saddened and concerned about the recent kidnapping of about 20 medical students and a house officer by bandits in Benue State.
“This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria.
‘’The Ministry condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students. Their safety and well-being are paramount to us.
“We urge the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice. We also call on perpetrators of such evil activities to desist from such criminal acts and respect the sanctity of human life.”
