In a significant development, the Zone 7 Police Command in Abuja has apprehended a suspect linked to the August 2024 abduction of 20 medical students and a doctor in Benue State. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Mr. Benneth Igweh, presented the suspect to the public on January 28, 2025.
In August 2024, a group of medical and dental students were en route to a convention in Enugu when they were kidnapped near Otukpo in Benue State. This incident was part of a broader pattern of abductions in Nigeria’s north-central region, where armed groups frequently target travelers for ransom.
The arrested individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to be a member of a gang specializing in armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Benue and surrounding areas. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in the abduction of the medical students. He also admitted involvement in multiple robbery incidents along Adiga Road in Benue State, where he and his accomplices reportedly stole motorcycles from travelers. The suspect revealed that he sold these stolen motorcycles and shared the proceeds with his gang members. Additionally, he confessed to selling his rifle to a retired soldier in Akpodo for ₦25,000.
The AIG emphasized that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who are currently at large. He issued a stern warning to criminals operating within the state, urging them to desist from their activities or face the full force of the law.
The arrest has garnered significant attention on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Many users have expressed relief over the progress in the case, while others have called for increased security measures to prevent future incidents. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly.
The apprehension of a suspect connected to the abduction of medical students in Benue State marks a positive step in addressing the security challenges in the region. Continuous collaboration between security agencies and the public is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
