Police deploy helicopters to rescue abducted medical students in Benue

The Nigeria Police have deployed helicopters in an effort to rescue medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, who were abducted by kidnappers along the Otukpo-Enugu Highway about a week ago.

Despite several days since the kidnapping of 20 medical students and one house officer, authorities remain actively engaged in locating them. A police helicopter was seen in Otukpo and Makurdi on Friday, signaling heightened efforts by the Police Tactical Team from Force Headquarters, though no breakthrough has been reported.

SP Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, told reporters on Friday that there is no update yet, but emphasized that the police team is still working on the case. She noted that the tactical squad, deployed by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside officers on the ground, has intensified efforts to rescue all the students.

Since Tuesday, surveillance helicopters have been active over the Otukpo area and neighboring local government regions such as Ado, Ohimini, Apa, Oju, and Ogbadibo, thoroughly scanning the forests.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Yabanet, has relocated to Benue South with his team to ensure the students’ safe rescue.

Last Saturday, the kidnappers demanded a N50 million ransom for the students’ release, although the police have denied any knowledge of this demand.

Meanwhile, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, father of one of the kidnapped students, shared a desperate plea on his X account after learning of the ransom. He called on the kidnappers to release his son unharmed and pleaded for assistance from both the Federal and State Governments, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to help secure the students’ freedom. Kwaghaondona Fagar, a retired civil servant, explained that many parents are facing economic difficulties and would struggle to raise the ransom amount. He further noted that since his retirement in 2013, he has only received his monthly pension and not his gratuity.