THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF), on Saturday, August 24, confirmed the release of 20 medical students and a House Officer from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, who were kidnapped on August 15, along the Otukpo-Enugu Road while travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ yearly convention.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday morning, August 24, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi (ACP), insisted that no ransom was paid, contrary to social media reports, saying the students were tactically and professionally rescued from their abductors.
Adejobi, in the message, titled, ‘Release of 20 medical students and others,’ said: “We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Ntunkon Forest, Benue State, without any ransom paid.
“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.”
The Force spokesman, however, did not give further details of the rescue, especially regarding whether any of the kidnappers, who had earlier demanded N50million ransom, were arrested or killed.
The kidnap of the students attracted public outcry, especially when one of them revealled the trauma they were passing through, prompting the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to order deployment of tactical operatives and assets, including helicopters, drones and tactical vehicles to ensure their swift rescue, in the operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Additional detectives were sent to Benue State to aid in the rescue of the students, five days after the IGP’s order.
