The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said that no ransom was paid for the rescue of the 20 medical students abducted in Benue State and others, as all victims were tactically rescued from their abductors by security operatives.
The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, said the clarification became necessary due to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some amounts of money were paid for the rescue of the kidnap victims.
According to him, “We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Ntunkon Forest, Benue State without any ransom paid.
“Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally. We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience. Thanks to you all.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that security agencies had on Friday night said the 20 medical students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and University of Maiguri (UNIMAID) abducted in Benue State few days ago had been rescued.
The report said the operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to the report, security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and military personnel, were involved in the operation, with the support of the Benue State government.
Prior to the development, the abductors of the 20 Catholic medical students who were en route to Enugu State last Thursday had rejected the N20million ransom allegedly raised by the Catholic community in Nigeria.
The president of the Community of Tiv Students at the University of Maiduguri, Prince Tihi Maxwell, whose two members were among the abducted students, had disclosed this to LEADERSHIP in Maiduguri, Borno State.