Abductors of medical students demand ₦50m ransom – SUG

Abductors of medical students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State have demanded a ransom of ₦50 million to release their hostages.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of UNIJOS disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesman, Adeniran Adebanjo.

Adebanjo said contact has already been established with the families of the affected students, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, and other concerned stakeholders.

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“We understand that this news is deeply troubling to everyone. At this time, we urge the entire university community to remain calm and keep faith,” Adebanjo said.

“Security operatives are fully engaged in addressing the situation, and we are hopeful that a peaceful resolution will be reached soon.”

The Benue Police Command on Friday confirmed that gunmen kidnapped no fewer than 20 medical and dental students in the state.

The students from the University of Maiduguri and UNIJOS were on their way to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu State.

The students were, however, kidnapped by gunmen along with a house officer in Benue State.

The were kidnapped around 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 15, 2024 in the Otukpo area of Benue State, having been ambushed by the gunmen.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, and said an investigation had been launched.

“Yes, the report of kidnapping is true. The report was received around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m,” Anene said.

“It happened but there is not much I can tell you for now. An investigation is ongoing on the case.”