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This handover took place in the presence of several parents
and was conducted by Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, who informed the
media that the leader of the kidnapping group was eliminated by security
forces.
The students had been taken hostage on August 15 while
traveling along the Otukpo-Enugu Highway to attend the annual convention of the
Federation of Catholic Medical Students in Enugu, and they regained their
freedom on Friday.
The IG also mentioned that seven additional victims were
rescued alongside the medical students.
He emphasized that no ransom was paid for the release of the
abducted individuals. The medical students arrived at Force Headquarters with
the IG around 5:30 PM yesterday.
Egbetokun stated, “It is with great relief that I report on
a successful operation carried out by the Nigeria Police Force, which led to
the rescue of 27 innocent individuals on August 22, 2024, who had been
kidnapped by a dangerous criminal gang in Benue State.”
“Among those rescued were 20 medical students of the
University of Jos Teaching Hospital comprising 16 males and four females, who
were cruelly taken abducted while in transit to a Conference in Enugu on 15th
August, 2024; five other passengers and two other victims who had also fallen
victim to these heinous criminals were also freed.
“The successful rescue of these 27 individuals was achieved
without the payment of any ransom. This success was possible through the
activation of security intelligence network, synergy with other security
agencies, community partnership and the deployment of our highly skilled and
tactical officers, whose dedication, bravery, and precision in executing their
duties are truly commendable. During the operation, our officers engaged the
kidnappers in a well-coordinated tactical offensive.
“I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this
notorious gang was neutralized during exchange of fire with our operatives and
his weapon recovered, while two other members of the gang were arrested.
“These individuals are currently in our custody, where they
are providing valuable information that will help us dismantle their criminal
network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions.
“It is pertinent to state that rescue operations of this
magnitude are painstakingly difficult and complex, requiring not only
deployment of resources but also meticulous planning and coordination.
“In this regard, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to
the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), whose support was
instrumental in this operation. I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable
contributions of other security agencies who partnered with us, as well as the
local vigilantes who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this
mission.
“This success is a demonstration of what can be achieved
when we work together towards a common goal.
“Let me take this opportunity to address all Nigerians,
particularly the relatives of those who have been victims of such criminal
acts. We understand the anxiety and pain that families experience during these
trying times.
“However, we urge you to cooperate with the Police and other
security agencies when such situations arise. It is only through cooperation
and trust that we can effectively carry out our constitutional mandate of
securing lives and property.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to rid our nation of
criminal elements who seek to disrupt the peace and security of our society.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to employ every
lawful means at its disposal to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians
while strongly determined to ensure that those who choose to engage in criminal
activities will be brought to justice.”
“As we continue to advance our efforts in combating crime
across the country, I assure you that we will remain vigilant, proactive, and
relentless in our pursuit of a safer Nigeria where the security of every
Nigerian and residents in our great country is our top priority, and we will
not rest until every citizen can go about their daily lives free from fear and
intimidation.
“I commend the bravery and professionalism of our officers,
and I thank all the agencies and individuals who contributed to the success of
this operation. Together, we will continue to strive towards a safer, more
secure Nigeria.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor of UNIMAID, Professor Mohammed
Laminu Mele, stated that..: “I am happy that the 20 medical students have been
rescued. We will do everything possible to make them comfortable in school.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor
Tanko Ishaya, stated that..: “As a university, we have already arranged and
prepared that as soon as you hand over
these students to us, we are going to camp them somewhere where we are
going to provide guidance and counseling before they are actually reintegrated
back into the society.
“We may assume that they are not going through any trauma because they are looking very
unhealthy, but we believe that they require a kind of guidance, particularly
counseling that will make them overcome the trauma and the experience that they
have had.”
One of the parents, John Enger, spoke on behalf of the group
and expressed his delight at the successful rescue operation. He urged the
security operatives to continue their efforts and rescue the remaining
individuals who are still being held captive.
Enger said: “We were desperate as parents. Anxiety was
everywhere; we could neither work, nor sleep; we had these challenges. The VC,
as he said, encouraged us; the commissioner of police, did most of his own
through the PPRO.
“But you see, we were afraid; the person representing the
minister said… – and you said this also -, that is a turning point.
“We were afraid of the experiences of the past. That’s why
we went all the way. Most of us had no money to pay but thank God the security
operatives rescued them without paying anything.
“Fortunately, this is a good event. And we appreciate, we
thank you sincerely. All our children are here safe.
“So, we are very grateful to you for the effort. We are very
grateful to the President. We are very
grateful to the NSA. You see, when you said it, that NSA gave all its best.
“We know that somebody had done something. Today, if it
happened, we know that the security men are there. Before, we were afraid.
“So, thank you very much. On behalf of the parents, we
appreciate the gentlemen of the press because they helped us. Information was
everywhere.”
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, earnestly
implored the students to remain steadfast and not succumb to discouragement in
the face of their unfortunate abduction.
The Governor, ably represented by the State Commissioner for
Finance, Michael Oglegba, conveyed the following message “Despite what has
happened to you, go and be successful… prove that Nigeria has not spared its
best to save you for nothing. Be there for the country. To the parents who
stood and prayed with us throughout, thank you.
“To the whole country, we are all awake praying for you,
hoping that God will bring you back. So, please prove Nigeria right by being
the best you can, the best doctors, the best of whatever it is that you’re
studying. And the rest of the police, thank you.”
The governor expressed his appreciation to the President,
acknowledging the positive developments in the state’s security situation. He
highlighted the significant reduction in large-scale killings that previously
plagued Benue, emphasizing that while there is still room for improvement,
progress is being made towards a safer environment.
“Things have taken a turn for the better with the coming of
this present government. If you notice, the whole scale, industrial scale
killings that used to happen in Benue have been reduced to a minimum. We’re not
there yet, but we’re moving towards that place,” he said