NANS demands immediate release of 20 medical, dental colleagues kidnapped in Benue
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent kidnapping of over 20 medical and dental students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos in Benue State.
DAILY POST reports that the students were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening while traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
The incident occurred around 5:30 PM in the Otukpo area of Benue State, where the students, along with a House Officer, were ambushed during their journey.
The State Police Command confirmed the abduction to newsmen on Friday morning,.
In a statement issued on Friday by NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, the student body demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their colleagues.
NANS also called on security agencies to ensure that the students are rescued unharmed.
“This heinous act is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in our nation, echoing the recent abduction and killing of passengers in Ondo State, as well as the brutal murder of a farmer at Oba Akoko in Ondo State by herdsmen,” the statement read.
NANS expressed its deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families, urging the government to take immediate and proactive measures to address these senseless acts of violence and to prevent future occurrences.
The student body stated its commitment to advocating for the safety and welfare of Nigerian students and reminded the government of its obligations under the right to education and the national security strategy.
“We call for the immediate rescue of the abducted individuals, increased security presence in vulnerable areas of Benue and Ondo States, improved intelligence gathering and sharing, and enhanced protection for schools, medical facilities, and communities,” NANS stated.
The student body also called for the prosecution of the perpetrators and their collaborators within security forces, educational institutions, and government agencies.
NANS also urged the governors of the affected states to work closely with federal authorities to address the escalating security challenges in their regions.
NANS demands immediate release of 20 medical, dental colleagues kidnapped in Benue
