20 medical students rescued after nine days in captivity
The 20 abducted medical students of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, on Friday, regained their freedom after spending nine days in their kidnappers’ den.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the development to our correspondents, said seven other kidnap victims were also rescued during the operation.
Noting that the rescued victims were with the police, Adejobi said further updates regarding the case would be communicated.
He said, “We have rescued them (medical students) and some others in captivity; we rescued about 27. They are with the police and some operatives are there as well. We are going to update Nigerians as and when due.”
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the rescue operation involved policemen, officials of the National Security Adviser, the Benue State Government, among other security personnel.
Recall that the students were travelling to Enugu when they were kidnapped around Ojano village, along Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road on Thursday, August 15.
The students were said to be travelling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention in Enugu when the gunmen ambushed them at Ojano village which is about 20 minutes from Otukpo town, along the highway.
The area, particularly the Otukpo/Otukpa portion of the federal highway, is said to be notorious for criminal activities.
Prominent people including former local government chairmen, priests, the Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, and other road users had, at one time or the other, fallen victim to kidnapping along the road despite the presence of security operatives.
