The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the release of 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos who were kidnapped by gunmen on 15 August. The students, who were abducted in Otukpo while traveling to Enugu for a Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, have been safely recovered.
The police spokesperson, Sewuese Anene, confirmed the rescue late Friday night but withheld further details, promising more information would be released the following day.
The students' release comes five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a tactical squad to Benue and ordered the state's Commissioner of Police to relocate to Otukpo. It was reported that a coordinated operation led by a team of security operatives under the direction of the Office of the National Security Adviser ensured the students' freedom.
