NMA writes IGP, seeks urgent rescue of kidnapped medical students
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene in the abduction of 20 medical students who were abducted in Benue enroute Enugu State for a conference.
The medical body which expressed concern over the fate of the abducted students, said security agencies should rescue them as quickly as possible.
NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, in a letter to the IGP, which was posted on the association’s X handle on Saturday, called for quick action.
The letter dated August 16 read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.
“These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”
The statement obtained by Ikengaonline read in part:“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.”
The medical body offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.
Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students.
Helicopters have equally been deployed to trail the abductors and their victims.
