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The recent kidnapping of thirteen students from the University of Jos‘ College of Health Sciences has left many deeply concerned after their abductors contacted the families, demanding a hefty ₦50 million ransom.
These students were en route to a medical convention organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu when they were ambushed along the Otukpo-Enugu Road, an area notorious for frequent bandit activity.
This harrowing event has put the entire university community on edge, as families and authorities work around the clock to bring the students home safely. Adeniran Adebanjo, the spokesperson for the University of Jos Students’ Union Government (SUG), confirmed that the kidnappers have made contact with the victims’ families.
Adebanjo also emphasized that the university’s key figures, such as the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, are fully engaged in efforts to resolve the situation.
The SUG has reassured the public that negotiations for the students’ release are underway, urging calm despite the mounting anxiety. “We understand how challenging this moment is, but we ask that everyone remains patient and trusts the authorities managing the situation,” the statement reads. “Security agencies are actively involved, and we are hopeful for a peaceful resolution soon.”
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This distressing incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of students and travelers in the region. While university officials and security forces are doing everything in their power to resolve the crisis, lingering questions about the broader security situation persist.
With a ₦50 million ransom now at stake, the delicate negotiations are being watched closely by families and the wider community.
Although there is a cautious sense of optimism about the students’ safe return, the situation highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures to prevent future tragedies.
In such moments, the resilience of the community becomes more apparent. For now, everyone holds on to hope that these students will soon be reunited with their loved ones and that peace will return to the university once more.
