On August 16, 2024, a chilling event unfolded in Benue State, Nigeria, when 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer were kidnapped by gunmen. The students were on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention, set to take place in Enugu, when they were ambushed and abducted.
This devastating incident occurred around 5:30 PM in the Otukpo area of Benue State, a region known for its history of insecurity and kidnappings. The students involved were from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, two prominent institutions in Nigeria. They had been traveling together in a convoy when they were suddenly attacked by the armed group.
The Circumstances of the Kidnapping
According to reports, the students were en route to a religious and professional gathering organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, a group that fosters networking and spiritual growth among Catholic medical professionals in Nigeria.
As the students neared Otukpo, their convoy was intercepted by gunmen who ambushed them and took them hostage. It was a targeted attack, and the kidnappers have yet to make any public demands for ransom. The incident has shaken the student communities at both universities and sparked outrage and concern nationwide.
Victims’ Identities
The identities of the kidnapped individuals were made public on social media by an X user with the handle @Sports_Doctor2, who shared the names of the victims. These names have also been confirmed by local media outlets and police authorities. The abducted individuals include:
- Boniface Tizhe
- Thomas Yahaya
- Gabriel Jita Iwev
- Boniface Okon
- Dondo Fabian
- John Bitrus Naga
- Fortune Chima Umeh
- Godwin Gregory Tumba
- Monica Ejembi
- Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka
- Paul Nyampa Zira
- Lawrence Victory Adaugo
- Okopi Peter
- Enger Benedicta
- Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley
- Paul Shantong
- Victoria Cornelius
- Pius Samson
- Okan Adara
- Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu
These students were at the start of what should have been a promising career in the medical and dental fields. The shock of their abduction has reverberated through their families, peers, and the broader Nigerian medical community.
Police Investigation and Response
In the aftermath of the kidnapping, the Benue State police command quickly confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. The authorities are working to identify the culprits and secure the safe release of the students. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and it remains unclear whether the attack was for political, religious, or financial motivations.
The Inspector-General of Police has reportedly ordered an intensified search and rescue operation, involving multiple security agencies, to locate the kidnapped students and bring them back safely. The police have also increased patrols in the region, especially along the highways, in a bid to curb further attacks.
National Outcry and Concerns About Security
This incident has sparked a national outcry about the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas and on highways where kidnappings for ransom have become all too common. Students, professionals, and citizens alike have raised concerns about their safety, calling on the government to take stronger measures to protect its people.
University communities across the country have expressed their solidarity with the victims, organizing vigils and prayer sessions for their safe return. Both the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos have released statements urging the government to act swiftly in securing the release of their students.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on finding the kidnapped students and reuniting them with their families. The Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible and to address the larger issue of insecurity plaguing the country.
The families of the victims, meanwhile, are left in a state of deep anxiety, hoping for any news that might bring their loved ones back safely.
