*NMA Writes Egbetokun, Urges Immediate Action
*Obi Decries Rising Cases Of Kidnapping
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students in Otukpo, Benue State, who were on their way to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu State, describing it as “reprehensible act, truly appalling, callous and unacceptable.”
In his effort to ensure their immediate rescue, safety and wellbeing, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, August 17: “This initiative encompasses the mobilisation of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialised tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.
“The Inspector General of Police reiterates the zeal of the Force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.
“The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation.
“Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest Police station or the state’s Command control number or the FHQ via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other help lines.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on Egbetokun to urgently intervene in the matter.
The NMA, through its Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, in a letter to the IGP posted on its handle on Saturday, August 17, said the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, accompanied by an abduction note, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area.
It expressed deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of the students, as already indicated in the accompanying message, urged the Police to deploy the necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.
“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 Association is deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time,” the statement noted.
The umbrella body of medical doctors in the country offered to provide whatever assistance and support in its power to facilitate Police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.
On his part, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the rising insecurity, economic hardship and governance issues in the country, following the Otukpo kidnapping and that of the Commissioner for Youths Development in Anambra State, Mr. Agha Mba, and his wife, in Edo State, while travelling to Abuja on Wednesday, August 13.
Obi, in a statement on his X handle, on Saturday, August 17, wrote: “When I say we should declare war on the economy, power and insecurity, some people spin the narrative, while others complain.
“But what else can we do? In the last 24 hours, several people have been kidnapped across Nigeria, including about 20 dental students from Maiduguri and Jos in Benue State.
“An Anambra State commissioner and his wife were abducted in Edo State and others travelling with them were killed. These are just a few of the many tragic incidents happening across the country.
“We cannot continue living in fear, poverty and darkness. It’s time for bold action, collective resolve and a united front against these challenges.
“We must declare war on this massive insecurity and other ills that threaten our society and work tirelessly to build a safer, more prosperous and just society for all.”
Recall that the 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were travelling together when they were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State and kidnapped while travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention.
Mba was travelling with an aides, who was killed during the attack en route to the wedding of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s daughter in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
