By Pathfinder Reporter
Saturday August 24, 2024
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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the release of 20 students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos who were kidnapped by gunmen in Oturkpo, Benue State, on August 15.
The students, who were en route to Enugu for the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, were abducted along with a house officer accompanying them.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Sewuese Anene, announced the students’ release late Friday night, while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.
She, however, refrained from providing further details on the rescue efforts, stating that more information would be made available the following morning.
The release of the students follows the deployment of a tactical squad to Benue by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, who had also instructed the Benue Commissioner of Police to relocate to Oturkpo to oversee the situation.
According to NAN, the successful rescue operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, involving a combined team of security operatives.
The swift action by the authorities ensured the students’ safe return, ending their ordeal five days after their abduction.
* No ransom paid to free medical students
The Force Public Relations Officer(FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that no ransom was paid as speculated on social media.
“ Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally. We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience. Thanks to you all. More details soon,” he said.
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