The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action to secure the release of 20 medical students who were abducted on their way to Enugu for a conference.
In a letter dated August 16, signed by the NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the association expressed deep concern over the abduction, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The letter highlighted that the students, consisting of 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) when they were kidnapped.
According to reports, the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State. One of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, pinpointing the Oglewu Ehaje area. The message was accompanied by an abduction note, further confirming the seriousness of the situation.
The NMA’s letter urged the police to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the students’ safe and immediate return, stressing the potential risks to their lives. The association also offered its assistance to support the police in their rescue efforts.
The letter concluded with a call for swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force to address the situation, underscoring the NMA’s deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students, who represent the future of the medical profession in Nigeria.
