The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dispatched additional detectives to Benue State to aid in the rescue of the abducted medical students.
Twenty medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, travelling to Enugu, were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu road on Thursday evening. The students were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention in Enugu when they were taken.
On Saturday, Egbetokun ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped students.
In a statement on Sunday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi announced the arrival of more detectives in the state, emphasising the need for public support.
He stated, “The IG reiterates his commitment to rescuing the kidnapped medical students in Benue unharmed. He calls for understanding and support as additional trained detectives arrive in Benue.”
Adejobi also praised citizens who have been discreetly providing vital information to the police, urging those sharing sensitive details on social media to refrain from doing so.
“We commend those who share information with us confidentially and advise those discussing vital information about the incident on social media to desist, as this may disrupt ongoing operations. Kindly share information with us in confidence,” he added.