20 Nigerian University Students Abducted in Benue State

At least 20 Nigerian university students were kidnapped by gunmen in Benue state while traveling for a medical conference. The ambush occurred on Otukpo road, a notorious area for kidnappings. The incident highlights the ongoing security issues in northern Nigeria, with victims often released after ransom payments.

At least 20 Nigerian university students were abducted by gunmen who ambushed their vehicles in the country's north-central region, police said Friday.

The students were traveling to the south for a conference of medical students when they were ambushed in Benue state on Thursday evening, according to Benue police spokesperson Catherine Anene. The attack happened along Benue's Otukpo road, a notorious hotspot for kidnappings. Such kidnappings have become common in parts of northern Nigeria, where dozens of armed groups exploit limited security presence to carry out attacks in villages and along major roads. Most victims are released only after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars. The attacks have also forced many to abandon road trips.

The students kidnapped in Benue were from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, both in northern Nigeria. Their respective student groups condemned the attacks and urged authorities to secure their release.

It was not immediately clear what group carried out the attack or where the captives were taken. The police did not provide any update about rescue efforts.

“We are devastated by this senseless act,” Ijabani Bajam, a student leader from the University of Maiduguri, said in a statement that called for the safe return of the students.