Nigerian Security forces are conducting a massive search in Benue State to rescue 20 medical students who were kidnapped by some armed men. These trainee doctors were from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, and were on their way to the venue of a medical congress being held at Enugu State, Eastern Nigeria when their motorcade was attacked last Thursday. The abduction occurred in central Benue State—an area that has increasingly become a breeding ground for violent activities by criminal gangs locally referred to as “bandits.” Such groups have been responsible for numerous kidnappings all over the country, among travelers, schoolchildren, and villagers, for ransom.
The police command in Benue State announced it had begun full-scale investigations into the abduction and immediately deployed its tactical teams to rescue the students. So far, nothing has been found despite the extensive efforts put into the search supported by specialized units and aerial surveillance. Anene Sewuese Catherine, Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police, confirmed the operation to news correspondents but added no details, citing the sensitive nature of investigations into a kidnapping. Catherine stated that the team has been deployed, but nothing has been heard from them. Investigation of kidnap is classified, according to her, and details are not to be shared until there is success. “There’s no update for now,” she said.
Kidnappers have demanded ₦50m for the medical students.
NiMSA has been in close contact with the authorities, demanding that the students be safely released. According to Moses Onwubuya, the national president of NiMSA, the kidnappers have been making demands of about ₦50 million (about $31,400) Ransom through the phones of the abducted students. The association issued a warning that students would Protest if their colleagues are not released soon. Onwubuya mentioned that the only response they had received so far was advice to remain calm, with assurances that Security Agencies were handling the situation.
He added that the abductors had been making calls using the phones of the kidnapped students, and that tensions were rising among the students. While they were trying to adhere to security guidelines, he expressed uncertainty about how long they could maintain control over the situation. This has attracted widespread condemnation, accompanied by calls for tightened security by the Nigerian government, especially in areas that have seen incessant attacks by bandits. Kidnapping cases have risen in Nigeria recently; 2023 had over 4,000 reports, according to the Center for Democracy and Development – West Africa.
Number of kidnapping cases highest in West Africa in last five years.
This number constitutes 58 percent of the total cases in West Africa and represents the highest in the last five years. According to experts, the increasing cases of kidnappings are attributed to the fact that harsh economic times in Nigeria have driven many into crime as a survival tactic. The country has continued to grapple with high unemployment, inflation, and poverty, which have worsened the security situation in the country. The Nigerian government has reacted to the crisis by vowing to tackle economic and security challenges facing the nation.
It is yet to be seen if all these efforts are fruitful, as families of the abducted students are eagerly waiting for news of their loved ones’ return. This incident, in a broader sense, has placed emphasis on the situation of Insecurity in Nigeria, as kidnapping now haunts life every day. The people watch and wait, hoping for the resolution that will bring students back home safely, as the search for the medical students goes on.
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To solve the issue of insecurity in the country, the government needs to adopt strategies that are not only realistic but also achievable in the short term as well as the long term. The root causes of crime, which include economic factors such as Poverty and unemployment, should be considered. Community involvement in and cooperation with local vigilantes would ensure security from the grassroots level. The judicial reforms that would ensure very swift prosecution of kidnappers will deter prospective criminals. Also, huge Investment in Education and social programs minimizes attraction to a life of crime, and promotes long-term stability and safety across the nation.