Ensure safe return of abducted Benue medical students, Reps task security agencies

The House of Representatives has emphasised the urgent need for security agencies’ intervention to ensure the safe return of 20 abducted medical students in Benue State.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, made this appeal in a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents on Friday.

According to reports, the students—12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri—were abducted on Thursday, August 15, 2024, while traveling to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu.

This incident has caused significant alarm and distress across the country.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.

NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, stated in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police: “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 Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

Similarly, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stated: “As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation.”

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Medical students are crucial to the future of healthcare excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their education, safety, and well-being are vital to the progress and health of our society.

The House of Representatives stands with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.

In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, emphasized: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system.

“We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country. No student should fear going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.

“The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”