Kidnapped Medical Students: Don’t share sensitive info online, IGP warns
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly those sharing sensitive information online, regarding the recent kidnapping of over 20 medical and dental students in Benue State.
The students, who were travelling from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos to attend the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu, were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30 pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State.
In a Facebook post early Sunday morning, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, relayed the IGP’s concerns that the public sharing of vital information about the incident on social media could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations.
“We commend those who share information with us confidentially,” said ACP Adejobi. “However, we advise those who discuss vital information about the incident on social media to desist, as such actions may disrupt the ongoing operations.”
The severity of the situation became more apparent when one of the kidnapped students, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, issued a Save Our Soul (SOS) message through his X (formerly Twitter) account over the weekend. Kingsley revealed that the victims had been without food for two days, and their captors were demanding a ransom of N50 million. He added a chilling warning: “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
READ ALSO: Abducted medical students plead for help after 48 hours without food
The IGP assured the public that the police are fully committed to rescuing the students unharmed. “IGP reiterates commitment to rescuing the kidnapped medical students in Benue unhurt,” ACP Adejobi stated. He also mentioned that more trained detectives had been dispatched to Benue to bolster the rescue efforts.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the situation is being handled with the utmost urgency. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has written to IGP Egbetokun, stating, “We won’t rest until the students are rescued alive,” underscoring the importance of the rescue mission.
The IGP’s call for discretion in sharing information online comes as security forces continue to navigate the complexities of ensuring the students’ safe return. The situation highlights the delicate balance between public awareness and operational security, a balance that is critical to the successful resolution of the crisis.
“Kindly share information with us in confidence,” ACP Adejobi urged the public, stressing that cooperation is essential for the safety of the kidnapped students. The police remain hopeful that with public support and careful handling of information, the situation will be resolved without further harm to the victims.
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