20 Nigerian students abducted by gunmen in northern Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a troubling incident, at least 20 university students were abducted by armed gunmen in Benue state, Nigeria, while en route to a medical conference in the south. The ambush occurred on Thursday evening along the notorious Otukpo road, known for its high incidence of kidnappings, according to police spokesperson Catherine Anene. This region has seen a surge in such attacks, with armed groups exploiting the limited security presence to target travelers. The victims, hailing from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, have prompted their respective student organizations to condemn the violence and call for immediate action from authorities to secure their release. Kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly common in northern Nigeria, with many victims released only after their families pay substantial sums, often amounting to thousands of dollars. This trend has led to increased caution among travelers, many of whom are now avoiding road trips altogether. As of now, the police have not disclosed any information regarding the identity of the kidnappers or the whereabouts of the students. There has been no update on potential rescue operations. Ijabani Bajam, a student leader from the University of Maiduguri, expressed the community's devastation over the incident, emphasizing the urgent need for the safe return of the abducted students. The situation highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.