The Nigerian Medical Association has urgently appealed to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for immediate action following the kidnapping of 20 medical students en route to a conference in Enugu.
This was revealed in a letter to the IGP written by Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the secretary-general of the NMA, and published on the organization’s X.com account on Saturday.
The letter dated August 16 read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.
“These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”
The NMA reports that the incident happened in Benue State, between Otukpo and Enugu. One of the kidnapped students was able to share their location on Google Maps, indicating that they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area.
Additional evidence of the event was provided by the alleged abduction note that was included with the message.
The association expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students and urged the police to deploy the necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.
The statement added, “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.
“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.”
In addition, the NMA pledged to help and support the police in their efforts to free the kidnapped students.
To guarantee the swift rescue of the abducted medical students, the IGP has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets.
