NMA writes IGP, seeks urgent rescue of abducted medical students

The Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene in the abduction of 20 medical students who were kidnapped on their way to Enugu for a conference.

The NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, disclosed this in a letter to the IGP, which was posted on the association’s X.com account on Saturday.

The letter dated August 16 read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.

“These students, comprising 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) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”

According to the NMA, the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area.

The message was said to have been accompanied by an abduction note, further confirming the incident.

The association expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students and urged the police to deploy the necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.

The statement added, “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.

“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

The NMA also offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.

PUNCH Online reports that the IGP has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students.