The Police said no ransom was paid to secure the release of the 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue, despite the claim that the kidnappers demanded N50 million.
A statement by the Force Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally.”
However, The Nation reports that a colleague of the kidnapped studentssaid the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom.
- No plan to establish military base in Nigeria, says U.S
- Supreme Court upholds Diri’s re-election as Bayelsa Governor
TheLeadng had earlier reported that the Police Command in Benue confirmed the release of 20 students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos kidnapped by gunmen in the north-central State on August 15.
Its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Sewuese Anene, confirmed their rescue to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) at 11.15 p.m. on Friday in Makurdi.
NAN reports that the students, who were traveling to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, were abducted in Oturkpo.
Also taken was a House Officer, who accompanied them on the journey.
Anene, however, declined further details on the rescue efforts.
“The victims have been released. Details will be released tomorrow (Saturday) morning please,” he stated.
NAN reports that their release is coming five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a tactical squad to Benue and ordered the Commissioner of Police in Benue, to relocate to Oturkpo.
NAN gathered that a combined team of security operatives coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser carried out the operation that ensured freedom for the abducted students.
