BENUE (Sundiata Post) – The kidnappers of 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri, University of Jos and a House Officer, have demanded N50 million as ransom for their release.
The medical students and a House Officer were kidnapped on Thursday evening, August 15, along Otukpo- Enugu road in Benue State.
They were said to be on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention holding in Enugu State when the incident occurred.
The Benue Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, who confirmed the kidnap in Makurdi, said that the students were travelling together in two buses when they were intercepted by some criminals after Otukpo town and were taken to unknown destination.
The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FCMDS), on Friday night, reportedly released the full names of the kidnapped members after the incident was confirmed by the Benue State Police Command.
The affected victims are said to include: 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.
Others are: Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mbamonyeukwu, the House Officer.
But yesterday, one of the students manoeuvre his phone and alerted the public by posting a desperate message on his X account.
In his tweet, the student revealed that the group of students had been without food for two days, and called on government and families of victims to intervene for their immediate release.
“We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention. They are requesting N50 million 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,” said one of the kidnapped victims who tweeted from the kidnappers’ den, adding that “they said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
When contacted, the PPRO, Benue State Police Command, SP Anene said that she had no report on the ransom demand.
Meanwhile, the Benue Atate governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has directed security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and ensure the safe release of the abducted 20 medical students.
Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemned in strong terms the abduction of the student doctors who are from University of Maiduguri and University of Jos.
He warned the criminal elements operating within the state to find another base, as his administration will not rest on its oars to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.
