The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri have received the freed students who were kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State on the 15th August.
The students, who were en-route to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, FECAMDS convention, were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State.
A statement from the Force Headquarters confirms that the release of the medical students comes five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Olukoyade Egbetokun, displayed a tactical squad to Benue and directed the Commissioner of Police in Benue to relocate to Otukpo.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya and his University of Maiduguri counterpart, Mohammed Mele appreciate the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts at ensuring that students returned alive.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ode who represented the State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia says the feat would not have been possible without the locals who provided intelligence to the security personnels.
However, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to rid the nation of criminal elements trying to disrupt peace and security of the country.
Egbetokun spoke after handing over the students on Sunday in Abuja.
He said, “We remain resolute in our commitment to rid our nation of criminal elements who seek to disrupt the peace and security of society.
“The Nigerian police Force will continue to yo employ every lawful means at its disposal to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians”.
The IGP reassured Nigerian and all persons resident in the country that the force will remain vigilant, proactive, and relentless in its pursuit of a safer Nigeria where security of persons remain a top priority.
He said the force will not rest until every citizen and resident can go a out their daily lives freely from fear and intimidation.
The Vice Chancellors of the universities of Jos and Maiduguri appreciated the police and other security agencies, while parents of the victims and Benue state government equally expressed their appreciations to the security agencies for their proactiveness.
-9News Nigeria.
