The tempo of insecurity in the country rose higher on Thursday as gunmen abducted more than 20 medical and dental students, along with a House Officer, in Benue State.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The tempo of insecurity in the country rose higher on Thursday as gunmen abducted more than 20 medical and dental students, along with a House Officer, in Benue State.
The students were en route the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed by gunmen, according to Vanguard reports.
The victims, reportedly from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were traveling together when the attack occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the Otukpo area of the state.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, has reportedly confirmed the incident adding that an investigation has been launched into the abduction.
“Yes, the report of the kidnapping is true. It was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and an investigation is ongoing,” she said.
READ ALSO:
Gunmen kill 7 community leaders in Imo
The Benue incident took place few days after gunmen, killed the President General of Umucheke Okwe Autonomous Community, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, Chief Hyginus Ohazurike.
They also killed six other leaders of the community.
A source in the community who pleaded anonymity said the community leaders were having a meeting at the President General’s shop when the attackers came.
According to him, the gunmen who stormed the area in a vehicle, shot the seven persons in the meeting and set the place ablaze.
He stated that nobody for now knows the reason for the attack.
“The PG and others were having a meeting at the PG’s shop when they came.
“They shot all of them and set the place ablaze before leaving.
“For now, nobody knows the reason for the attack”, he stated.