The Benue police command has announced that the 20 medical and dental students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos that were abducted have now have been released.
Benue police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, said that the students were rescued on Friday night.
She stated that details of the rescue operation will be made available later.
On August 16, gunmen kidnapped the students in the Otukpo area of Benue state.
The students were on travelling for the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
Via a statement, Muyiwa Adejobi, force public relations officer, mentioned that no ransom was paid in the release of the students.
“We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity on Friday 23rd August 2024 in Ntunkon forest, Benue State,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had labelled the kidnap a “callous act”.
The IGP had ordered the deployment of additional operatives to boost the manpower of the Benue police command for the rescue of the students.