The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has formally handed over 20 medical students who were rescued after spending 9 days in captivity to the Vice-Chancellors of their respective institutions.
The students of University of Jos and University of Maiduguri, who were abducted in Benue State while en route to Enugu for a conference were led to the Force Headquarters by their VCs at about 5:35pm on Sunday.
Our correspondent, who was part of the meeting reports that apart from the IG and VCs, Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Benneth Igweh, and his Benue State counterpart, were also in attendance.
Daily Trust had reported how the students’ abduction generated massive outcry, which made the top cop to order the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure their swift rescue.
Apart from those assets which included helicopters, drones and tactical vehicles, additional detectives were also sent to Benue to aid in the rescue of the abducted medical students.
The spokesman of the Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while confirming their rescue said no ransom was paid before they were rescued, insisting that the students were tactically and professionally rescued from their abductors.
Speaking before he formally handed over the students to their VCs, the IG revealed that there was a fierce gun duel between the security and the bandits before the ring leader of the criminals was finally gunned down during the operations.
Egbetokun also disclosed that two members of the gang were arrested and that they were presently in custody to provide information for further investigation, adding that their weapons were also recovered.
“This success was made possible through the support received from the office of the NSA, the activation of the security network, intelligence, synergy with other security agencies, community engagement, and deployment of our highly skilled and tactical officers whose dedication, bravery, and precision in executing their duties are truly commendable.
“During the operation, our officers engaged the kidnappers in a well-coordinated tactical offensive. I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this notorious gang was neutralized during an exchange of fire with our operatives while two other members of the gang were arrested and their weapons recovered.
“These individuals are currently in our custody where they are providing valuable information that will help us dismantle their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions,” the top cop said.
Reacting after receiving the students, the Vice-Chancellor University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said they would proceed to provide psyco-social support including counselling for the students before they are re-integrated back to the school society.
“As a university, we have already arranged and prepared that as soon as you hand over these students to us, we are going to camp them somewhere where we are going to provide counseling, guidance and counseling before they are actually reintegrated back into the society.
“We may assume that they are not going through any trauma because they are looking very unhealthy, but we believe that they require a kind of guidance, particularly counseling that will make them overcome the trauma and the experience that they have had,” the VC said.
One of the parents, Pharm. John Enger, who spoke on behalf of others, narrated their ordeal when their children were in the abductors’ den, saying that they were apprehensive and afraid during the period.
Enger said, “We were desperate as parents. Anxiety was everywhere. We had these challenges. The VC encouraged us. But you see, we were afraid. We were afraid because of the past experiences.
“That’s why we went all the way. Most of us, most of us had the money to pay a ransom but we thank you sincerely. All our children are here safe.We are very grateful to the president, president, to the NSA and everybody.”
Benue State governor, Alia Hyacinth, who was represented by the State’s commissioner of finance, Michael Oglegba, encouraged the parents not to lose hope in the education of their children because of what happened.
