Benue State

At least 20 university medical students were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria’s north-central Benue State on Thursday evening, police confirmed on Friday. The students, traveling on two buses, were ambushed while en route to a religious event in the state, according to police spokesperson Catherine Anene. The incident occurred near Otukpo, a town in Benue State.   Anene stated that the police are currently investigating the matter and have launched a search for the abducted students. The identities of the universities the students attend have not been released.   The kidnapping of students has become a recurring issue in Nigeria, with armed groups targeting schools and universities for ransom. The incidents have sparked widespread outrage and calls for increased security measures to protect educational institutions.   Authorities have yet to provide further details on the abduction, including the identities of the kidnappers or their motives.