The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to expedite the rescue of 20 medical students abducted en route to a conference in Enugu.
In a letter dated August 16, signed by the NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the association expressed grave concern over the kidnapping of the students, who were traveling to attend a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS). The abductees included 12 students from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri.
The incident reportedly occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State. One of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating that they were being held in the Oglewu Ehaje area. This message, accompanied by an abduction note, confirmed the kidnapping.
The NMA’s letter highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the potential risks to the students’ lives and imploring the police to take swift and decisive action to ensure their safe return. The letter emphasized the association’s concern for the future of these medical professionals and called for the deployment of all necessary resources by the Nigeria Police Force.
In response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun had earlier directed the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to secure the students’ release, following reports of the incident. The NMA also offered to support and assist the police in their rescue efforts.
“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time,” the statement added.
