The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of twenty (20) medical and dental students, as well as one doctor, in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 16, 2024, when students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu. The group was reportedly ambushed by gunmen around 5:30 pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State.
The State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping, heightening fears for the safety of the abducted individuals. The victims, who were on a journey to further their education and professional development, now find themselves in a life-threatening situation.
In response to this alarming development, NASRE has called on the Inspector General of Police (IG) and other relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe return of the kidnapped students. The association emphasized that the protection of lives and property is a fundamental duty of the government and urged all security forces to mobilize every necessary resource to bring the students back to their families unharmed.
Comrade Femi Oyewale, the President of NASRE, stressed the importance of ensuring that such incidents do not recur. He called on all arms of government and security agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and urged the implementation of comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of every Nigerian, regardless of their status.
“We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted students and the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students,” Oyewale stated. “It is imperative that the government acts swiftly and effectively, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice and safety for all.”
The names of the kidnapped students, as released by FECAMDS, 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, and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.
As the situation unfolds, NASRE’s call for urgent action highlights the ongoing challenges of insecurity in Nigeria and the pressing need for concerted efforts to protect the lives of citizens, especially students, who are the future of the nation.
