By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Families of the 20 medical students kidnapped on August 15, 2024, along the Otukpo-Enugu highway in Benue State have revealed that a N50 million ransom was paid for their release.
The students, from the University of Jos and University of Maiduguri, were abducted while traveling to attend a conference.
Each family paid N2.5 million, totaling N50 million, to secure their release
Contrary to the police’s claim of a “rescue,” family sources confirmed that each family paid N2.5 million, totaling N50 million, to secure their release. The ransom was delivered by a Reverend Father in Enugu State, and the students were released in a forest in Utonkon, Ado LGA, Benue State.
The police had earlier confirmed the students’ release but failed to provide details of the operation. Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, did not respond to further inquiries.
The students were released around midnight and trekked for several kilometers before being located and picked up by security operatives. They were taken to Otukpo and then to Abuja for medical check-ups and a press conference.
