Abducted medical students: IGP assures others in captivity of rescue
By Oluwakemi kindness
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reassured victims of abduction and their relatives of the Force redoubled efforts to ensure their rescue.
IGP Egbetokun gave the reassurance on Sunday in Abuja while handing over the rescued twenty Medical students of the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri earlier kidnapped on transit in Benue state along with seven others also rescued during a tactical operation.
Speaking, the Police who restated that no ransome was paid for the rescue of the students, said the leader of the kidnap gang was killed during the operation with the support of the office of the National Security Adviser NSA and other sister security agencies .
“Among those rescued were 20 medical students of the University of Jos Teaching Hospital comprising 16 males and 4 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.”
“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, 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.”
IGP Egbetokun added that during the operation, 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.”
For the representative of Benue state governor, Michael Oglegba who doubles as the commissioner of finance in the state, the vice chancellors of the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, the appreciated the efforts of the police, the NSA and Mr President for giving a direct order for the rescue of the students.
Correspondent Oluwakemi kindness reports the Second Vice-President Nigerian Medical Association NMA, Dr. Usha Anenga, represented by Dr. Simon Ogenyi, he used the occasion to call for the rescue of other doctors still in captivity, most notably Dr. Ganiyat, who was abducted 8 months ago in Kaduna State.
“As an association, we are concerned about the security of health personnel across the country. We still have doctors in captivity, most notably Dr Ganiyat, who was abducted 8 months ago in Kaduna State. Hence, we urge the government to double its efforts in this regard.”
