No kobo paid to rescue abducted medical students — Police

The Nigeria Police Force says no ransom was paid for the release of the 20 medical students and others abducted in Benue State.

The force’s statement comes after speculation and rumours circulated on social media suggesting that a ransom had been paid to the abductors.

However, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that “No kobo was paid” to secure their release and that the victims were “rescued tactically and professionally” without any payment made to their captors.

The medical students and their accompanying doctors were kidnapped on Thursday, August 15, while on their way to a medical convention.

A few days after their abduction, their captors contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.

On Friday evening, Adejobi confirmed that the victims, who were held in the Ntunkon forest, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, were rescued by the office of the National Security Adviser without any ransom payment.

Adejobi stated, “Without any ransom paid. Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that 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.”