The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 20 medical students in Benue State, urging swift intervention from security agencies.
Recall that the abducted students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on Thursday, 15 August 2024, while travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu. This incident has caused significant alarm and distress across the country.
The Nigerian Medical Association has voiced its deep concern for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.
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. Medical students are also 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”.
In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Green Chamber aligned itself with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.
Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised: “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 be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely”, he added.
