The Benue state police command has confirmed the release of 20 medical and dental students abducted by bandits..
The command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, said in a statement on Friday night that the students were rescued.
The students who are from universities of Jos and Maiduguri were abducted on August 16, by gunmen in the Otukpo area of Benue state while on their way to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
Also confirming their release, in a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said no ransom was involved in the release of the students.
“We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity on Friday 23rd August 2024 in Ntunkon forest, Benue State,” the statement reads.
“Without any ransom paid. Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them.
“They were actually rescued tactically and professionally.
We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience.”
The statement added that the IGP had ordered the deployment of additional operatives to augment the manpower of the Benue police command over the rescue of the students.