Fresh facts emerge on rescue of abducted medical students in Benue

Fresh facts have emerged regarding the successful rescue of 20 medical students and seven others who were kidnapped in Benue State.

The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were abducted by bandits while en route to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention.

Sources revealed that the operation was a coordinated effort involving military personnel, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police. The rescue mission employed advanced tracking methods and utilized both land and air assets, including helicopters and drones. During the operation, one kidnapper was shot dead, and two others were apprehended.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had directed the deployment of specialized operatives and resources to facilitate a swift rescue. An officer involved in the operation disclosed that security forces tracked the kidnappers to Ajide Forest, Ukwonyo Council Ward, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

The officer explained, “The operation was overseen by the National Security Adviser in Abuja. We located the kidnappers on Friday as they attempted to use the victims as human shields. Intense pressure forced them to flee, resulting in the death of one kidnapper and the arrest of two.”

Additional information confirms that the rescued students were transported to Abuja and are expected to be reunited with their families by Monday or Tuesday. The students are currently at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) clinic, where they are undergoing medical checks alongside other recently rescued individuals.

“The rescued students are undergoing medical screenings at the NIA complex after their ordeal,” the source added.