By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has issued a directive to security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and ensure the safe release of the 20 medical doctors kidnapped on Thursday evening.
The medical students from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos were ambushed and taken away by gunmen along the Otukpo-Enugu highway while en-route the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, FECAMDS Annual Convention in Enugu State.
Governor Alia in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, released Saturday in Makurdi, strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a heinous act that would not be tolerated in the state.
He emphasized commitment of his administration to stamp out all forms of criminality to ensure the safety of all citizens, warning criminal elements operating in the state to find another base, as his administration will not rest until they are brought to justice.
He assured the families of the kidnapped medical doctors and the general public that everything is being done to ensure their safe release.
The incident according to the governor who said the development has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for urgent action to rescue the kidnapped medical students, emphasized that his directive to security agencies to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims is a response to concerns of Nigerians, adding that it is equally a demonstration of his commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the state.
He reassured the public that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped medical doctors.