- Governor Hyacinth Alia orders security agencies to intensify efforts for the safe release of 20 medical students abducted in Benue State
- The students were kidnapped while travelling to a conference, prompting calls for swift action from security forces and community leaders
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has ordered security agencies to ramp up efforts to secure the safe release of 20 medical students abducted in the state.
The governor expressed his strong disapproval of the kidnapping of students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. The students were ambushed by gunmen on Thursday evening while travelling along the Otukpo-Enugu highway in Benue State. They were going to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Annual Convention in Enugu State.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia issued a stern warning to the criminals operating in the state. He urged them to leave the area and stressed that his administration is committed to eradicating all forms of criminal activity in Benue.
The University of Jos Alumni, Plateau State chapter, also condemned the abduction on Sunday. Peter Gad, the association’s chairman, stated that the incident highlights the ongoing dangers on the nation’s highways and seriously threatens the pursuit of education and knowledge.
Gad called on the police and other security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safe rescue of the students and to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.