AFRICA/NIGERIA – Concerns over the fate of the 20 medical students kidnapped on August 15
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – There is still no information regarding the 20 medical students who were kidnapped on August 15 in Benue State, central-eastern Nigeria. The students were en route to the annual national conference of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) when armed criminals intercepted them on the road.
The announcement of the abduction was made by FECAMDS in a statement issued by President Ige Gabriel Ariyo and National General Secretary Mary Rose Malomo. “On August 15, 2024, at approximately 5 pm, 20 of our members were abducted while traveling to our annual national convention held in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, near Otukpo in Benue State,” the statement said. “Since this incident, we have been engulfed in sadness. We are working diligently with relevant parties to ensure the swift release of the students. We are already in close contact with the families and those directly affected, to ensure the safe and rapid release of the abducted. We want to assure everyone that FECAMDS Nigeria is fully committed to addressing the situation.”
“We urge the public and the media to respect the sensitivity surrounding this matter and to avoid spreading unverified information that could exacerbate the situation,” the statement concluded. FECAMDS has organized several prayer meetings to pray for the safe return of the young men.
The students, consisting of 12 from the University of Maiduguri and 8 from the University of Jos, were kidnapped while traveling together. Maiduguri is the capital of Borno State, the origin of the jihadist group Boko Haram, while Jos is the capital of Plateau State, an area known for clashes between sedentary and nomadic groups. According to some reports in the Nigerian press, the 20 students were taken by a group of Fulani herdsmen. Last July, the rector of the Benue State Polytechnic was also kidnapped along with several collaborators. In Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom has become a frequent occurrence, with mass abductions of students and teachers yielding significant ransoms and creating widespread panic.
In response to the kidnapping of the 20 FECAMDS students, the governor of Benue State has ordered law enforcement to mobilize resources to locate the hostages, including the use of drones. Some students reportedly managed to post the ransom demand and the phone number of one of the kidnappers on X. The kidnappers appear to be taking the risk of using the mobile phones of the kidnapped individuals.
(LM) (Fides Agency 20/8/2024)
AFRICA/NIGERIA – Concerns over the fate of the 20 medical students kidnapped on August 15
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – There is still no news of the 20 medical students kidnapped on August 15 in the state of Benue, in central-eastern Nigeria. The students were on their way to the annual national conference of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) when they were intercepted on the road by armed criminals.
The news of the abduction was confirmed by FECAMDS in a statement signed by the President, Ige Gabriel Ariyo, and the National General Secretary, Mary Rose Malomo. “On the 15th of August 2024, at about 5pm, 20 of our members were abducted while en route to our annual national convention held in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, near Otukpo in Benue State,” the statement read. “Since this incident occurred, we have been immersed in sadness. We are working tirelessly with relevant parties to ensure the speedy release of the students. We are already in close communication with the families and all those directly affected, so that the abducted can be quickly released safely. We wish to assure everyone that FECAMDS Nigeria is fully engaged and committed to addressing the situation.”
“We call on the public and the media to respect the sensitivity of the situation and to refrain from disseminating unverified information that could compromise the situation,” the statement concluded. FECAMDS has called for several prayer meetings to intercede for the safe release of the young men.
Background of the Incident
The students, comprising 12 from the University of Maiduguri and 8 from the University of Jos, were kidnapped while traveling together. Maiduguri is the capital of Borno State, the birthplace of the jihadist group Boko Haram, while Jos is the capital of Plateau State, an area plagued by clashes between sedentary and nomadic populations.
According to some sources in the Nigerian press, the 20 students were kidnapped by a group identified as Fulani herdsmen. The Fulani herdsmen have been implicated in numerous violent incidents across Nigeria, contributing to a national crisis of insecurity. Just last July, the rector of the Benue State Polytechnic was kidnapped, along with some of his collaborators, highlighting the escalating trend of high-profile kidnappings in the region.
The Trend of Kidnappings in Nigeria
In Nigeria, kidnappings for ransom have become tragically commonplace. Armed groups often target individuals and groups – such as students and teachers – to extract large ransoms, leveraging the public’s fear to maximize their profits. This phenomenon has led to significant anxiety within communities and has disrupted educational activities across the nation.
| State | Type of Incident | Date | Victims | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benue | Kidnapping | August 15, 2024 | 20 medical students | Ongoing investigation |
| Benue | Kidnapping | July 2024 | Rector and collaborators | Still missing |
| Borno | Kidnapping | June 2024 | Students | Released after ransom |
Official Response and Actions Taken
In response to the kidnapping of the FECAMDS students, the governor of Benue State has ordered the mobilization of law enforcement resources to locate the hostages. This includes the deployment of drones to assist in search efforts. The involvement of state security forces indicates the level of concern surrounding this incident and the ongoing crisis of kidnappings in Nigeria.
Interestingly, some students managed to post on social media platform X, sharing the ransom demand and the mobile phone number of one of the kidnappers. This risky move may suggest that the abductors are careless and unafraid of scrutiny. However, it also puts the students at greater risk as the situation unfolds.
Community Involvement and Prayer Initiatives
The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students has organized prayer meetings to intercede for the safe return of the kidnapped students. These community efforts reflect the collective anguish and solidarity felt among those affected and the broader community. Such solidarity is crucial in Nigeria, where faith and communal support play significant roles in coping with crises.
Implications for Education in Nigeria
The rise in kidnappings has profound implications for the education sector in Nigeria. Many students live in fear of attending school or traveling for academic purposes, which jeopardizes their future and places additional strain on an already challenged educational system.
- Disruption of Academic Activities: The fear of kidnappings can lead to students missing classes and schools being forced to close.
- Increased Pressure on Families: Families may feel pressured to keep children home out of fear for their safety.
- Long-term Psychological Effects: The traumatic experience of witnessing or knowing someone who has been kidnapped can lead to lasting psychological issues.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are urged to follow established protocols for handling kidnapping cases, prioritizing the safety of victims while working toward a sustainable solution to the broader security crisis in Nigeria.
