• Friday, September 13, 2024
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Twenty abducted medical students rescued in Benue

Over N1bn ransom paid to kidnappers in one year as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina lead in scourge

The Benue State Police Command, on Friday, night confirmed the release of the 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State last week Thursday.

Catherine Anene, the command’s police public relations officer, broke the news of their release to our correspondent in Makurdi at about 11:15 pm on Friday night.

“Kidnap Victims released. Details will be released tomorrow morning please,” she said in a text message.

Their release is coming barely five days after Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Nigeria (IGP), deployed his
tactical squad to the Benue State and relocated the State commissioner of police CP Yabanet to Otukpo LGA to rescue the abducted students.

Read also: UNIJOS students cry for protection as kidnapping rampant in the North

It was gathered that a combined team of security operatives coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser carried out the operation.

It was also gathered that the successful operation involved the police, operatives of the DSS, the military and the cooperation of the Benue State Government.