Victor Ezeja
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called for immediate and decisive action by security agencies, to ensure the safe return of about 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State.
According to reports, the medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were traveling to Enugu for an annual convention organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS), when they were abducted in the Otukpo area of Benue State on the evening of Thursday, 15th August by gunmen.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe incident has sparked national outrage, heightening tension about the state of insecurity not just in Benue State but other parts of the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, by the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, the lower house expressed concern over the unfortunate incident. The Green Chamber called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, said the incident is not just an attack on the young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system in the country. “We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country,” he added.
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Idahosa urged security agencies take concrete steps secure the release of the students unharmed.
Earlier, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the incident and called on security agencies to act swiftly and get the abducted students out of the kidnappers’ den.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
