No ransom paid to free 20 kidnapped medical students, says police

The Nigeria Police on Saturday said no ransom was paid to secure the release of the 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State, contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, explaining that the victims were rescued tactically.

Penpushing reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi made the clarification in a post on X describing the incident which occurred on August 15, 2024 as appalling, callous, and unacceptable.

“Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally’, the police spokesperson wrote.

Penpushing further reports that as at the time of filing this report the police authorities were yet to provide details of the rescue, including whether any of the kidnappers were arrested or killed in the process.

The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, it is recalled following the kidnap ordered the immediate deployment of more police resources to augment the Benue State Command’s capabilities and ensure the release of the students.

Penpushing also reports that the 20 medical students from the University of Jos (12) and the University of Maiduguri (8) were kidnapped while travelling to Enugu for annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students gathering.

The medical students who eventually regained freedom on Friday were ambushed and abducted in Otukpo, Benue State, while one of their colleagues as at the time they were in captivity said the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom.

Penpushing reports that Sheba Bako, wife of Pius Samson, one the kidnapped medical students who also confirmed release of her husband and other victims, said he(husband) called her at about 11pm and expressed appreciation to God.

“I am so happy they have released them. He called us around 11 p.m. last night. He is not yet home because they have taken them to Abuja for a medical check-up. I am so grateful to God that they made it out alive’, the wife said

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