The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students in Benue State.
Twenty medical students of the University of Maiduguri and Jos, travelling to Enugu, were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road on Thursday, 15 August, 2024.
The students were travelling for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention in Enugu when they were abducted.
Condemning the students’ abduction in a statement on Saturday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG described the action of the criminals as reprehensible and callous, appalling, and unacceptable.
“The Inspector-General of Police has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State. This reprehensible act is truly ap“In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students,” IG said.
Adejobi also said tactical operatives, helicopters, drones and vehicles, among others, would be deployed to facilitate the rescue of the students.
“This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students,” the police spokesperson said.