The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has tasked the federal government to ensure the secured release of 20 student doctors abducted by bandits in Benue, on Thursday.
NMA said the students who were en route to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) conference were abducted at approximately 5:00 pm.
NMA, in a statement on Saturday, added that 12 of the victims are students of the University of Jos, Plateau State, while 8 of the victims are students of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
The statement signed by Dr. Benjamin Egiso, Secretary-General of NMA, copied to the Minister of Health, Ali Pate and Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, urged the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun to deploy all necessary resources to secure the students.
It read: “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students. These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.
“The incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State at approximately 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Thursday, 15th August 2024. One of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating that they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area in Benue State. This message was accompanied by an abduction note, further confirming the incident.
“Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.
“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.
“We respectfully request that your office liaise with the appropriate security agencies and units within the region to locate and rescue the abducted students. The NMA is prepared to provide any assistance or support required to facilitate the efforts of the police in this regard.“
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