Security sources on Friday night have confirmed the release of the 20 medical students, who were kidnapped in Benue State on August 15.
According to the sources who spoke with Channels TV, the operations were coordinated by the office of the national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu with help from a team sent by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Security agencies such as the Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and military personnel, with support from Benue State Government assisted in rescuing the students.
Though the student have regained their freedom according to security sources, details of the rescue operation are still sketchy at the moment.
It would be recalled that the students, from University of Jos and University of Maiduguri were on their way to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu when the yet-to-be identified gunmen ambushed their vehicles in Benue and took them away into the bush.
A day after the abduction of the students, their abductors had established contact with victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million to secure the release of their hostages.
Benue police confirms release of 20 medical students from kidnappers den
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the release of the 20 students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos kidnapped by gunmen in the north-central State on August 15. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Sewuese Anene, confirmed their rescue at 11.15 p.m. on Friday in Makurdi.
The students, who were traveling to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, were abducted in Oturkpo. Also taken was a House Officer, who accompanied them on the journey.
Anene, however, declined further details on the rescue efforts, saying: “The victims have been released. Details will be released tomorrow (Saturday) morning please”.
Their release is coming five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a tactical squad to Benue and ordered the Commissioner of Police in Benue, to relocate to Oturkpo.
It was gathered that a combined team of security operatives coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser carried out the operation that ensured freedom for the abducted students.
