Crime
20 University Students Abducted in Benue State While En Route to Medical Convention

20 University Students Abducted in Benue State While En Route to Medical Convention
By: Zagazola Makama
In a troubling development, 20 students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos have been reportedly abducted while traveling to Enugu State.
Among the kidnapped students are eight members of the University of Maiduguri Medical Students Association (UMMESA) who were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FCMDS) Annual Convention.
The students began their journey on the morning of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, departing from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). They made an overnight stop at the University of Jos and continued their journey the next morning, August 15, 2024. The group, now joined by 10 students from the University of Jos, totaled 18 individuals. Their last known communication was at 3:24 PM on August 15, 2024, after which contact was lost.
The abduction reportedly occurred along the Otukpo (Benue) – Enugu road, a known route for travelers between the two states. The missing students include:
- Boniface Tizhe 500-level MBBS student
- Thomas Yahaya,500-level MBBS student
- Fortune Umeh,500-level MBBS student
- Godwin Tumba,500-level MBBS student
- Iwev Gabriel Jita,300-level MBBS student
- Boniface Okon,300-level MBBS student
- Dondo Fabian,300-level Medical Laboratory student
- John Bitrus, 200-level Nursing student
- Monica Ejembi
- Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka
- Paul Nyampa Zira
- Lawrence Victory Adaugo
- Okopi Pete
- Enger Benedicta
- Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley
- Paul Shantong
- Victoria Cornelius
- Pius Samson
- Okan Adara
- Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu
This alarming situation has prompted immediate action from university authorities, law enforcement agencies, and concerned stakeholders. The students’ families and the wider academic community are anxiously awaiting further developments as efforts are being made to secure their safe return.
20 University Students Abducted in Benue State While En Route to Medical Convention
Crime
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed a reported abduction of two persons along the Wanka–Dengi road in Kanam LGA.
According to the source, troops trailed the relative of one of the victims, who had been instructed by the kidnappers to drop a ransom at Madam Forest, where the operation took place.
“During the rescue operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of two armed bandits, while others fled into the forest,” the source said.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau
Crime
Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have neutralised a notorious armed militia leader identified as Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the development followed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of arms and ammunition at the outskirts of Lugere Village on Oct. 20.

The source said preliminary interrogation revealed that Idris had participated in several criminal attacks within Barkin Ladi and its neighbouring communities.
He was said to have confessed to leading a network of armed collaborators and volunteered to guide troops to their hideout at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi.
However, while leading the troops to the location at about 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the suspect allegedly made a desperate attempt to snatch a soldier’s rifle in an effort to escape.
The troops responded swiftly, neutralising him on the spot.
The source added that a follow-up operation was ongoing in the general area to apprehend his collaborators and recover additional weapons linked to the group.
Security officials have maintained increased presence in Barkin Ladi to prevent reprisal attacks and ensure the continued safety of residents.
Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State
Crime
Gunmen kill two in Jos South community

Gunmen kill two in Jos South community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed two persons in an attack on Darong community in Gyero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said that the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday night.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 21, when some unidentified gunmen invaded the community and began shooting sporadically.
“In the process, one Pam Choji and one other unidentified male sustained gunshot injuries. Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, ‘B’ Division Bukuru, led a team of operatives to the scene and evacuated the victims to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital for medical attention,” the statement said.
According to the source, the victims were confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
The sources further said reinforcement comprising army troops, police personnel had been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He added that the command had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and urged residents to provide credible information to assist security agencies in their investigation.
End
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