House Demands Rescue of 20 Abducted Medical Students in Benue

The House of Representatives has urged security agencies to swiftly intervene and rescue 20 medical students abducted in Benue State. The students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped last Thursday while en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu.

In a statement on Saturday, House Spokesperson Hon. Akin Rotimi expressed alarm and distress over the incident. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and assured that the situation would be closely monitored.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return,” Rotimi stated.

Rotimi also mentioned a letter from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking intervention. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also voiced deep concern for the safety and well-being of the abducted students.

Given the urgency and potential risks to the students’ lives, Rotimi urged the police to deploy all necessary resources for their immediate and safe return. He highlighted the NMA’s concern for the future medical professionals and stressed the need for swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force.

Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, emphasized the importance of the students’ safety, describing the incident as an attack on the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system. He called for decisive action from security agencies to ensure the students’ safe return, stressing that no student should fear for their safety while pursuing their education.