20 Medical Students Rescued After Abduction in Benue State

 

Last week, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State, while en route to a conference in Enugu State. The students have since been rescued, with the government reporting that no ransom was paid for their release.

This incident marks the latest in a series of mass abductions under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The issue of mass kidnappings has plagued Nigeria, with notable cases including the 2014 abduction of Chibok girls and the Dapchi girls in 2018.

The recent surge in kidnappings, particularly in the North-West, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, mass abductions became a significant issue, primarily targeting schools.

President Tinubu, who took office in 2023, had pledged to combat terrorism and insecurity. Despite these assurances, incidents of banditry and kidnapping have continued. In response, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu launched the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell in November to tackle the problem.

A review of recent major abductions highlights ongoing challenges:

• 287 Pupils in Kuriga: On March 7, 2024, 287 pupils from a government secondary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, were kidnapped by a criminal gang. The abductors demanded a ransom of N1 billion, and although the government publicly stated a no-ransom policy, the students were released after two weeks.

• 24 Students from University of Gusau: In September 2023, bandits abducted 24 students and staff from the Federal University of Gusau. The victims were held for over seven months before their release, with the details of any ransom payment remaining unclear.

• 61 People in Kajuru: Shortly after the Kuriga abduction, 87 individuals were kidnapped in Kajuru, Kaduna State. The bandits released some captives, but it is unknown if a ransom was paid.

• 17 Students in Gidan Bakuso: On March 9, 2024, gunmen abducted 15 children from an Islamic school and 17 students from a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso, Sokoto State.

• Five Students and Three Teachers in Ekiti: In January 2024, gunmen abducted five pupils, three teachers, and a driver from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State. They were released after six days, and police have arrested some suspects involved in the abduction.

These incidents underscore the ongoing struggle to address and prevent mass abductions in Nigeria, despite government efforts and promises.