Contrary to the initial report of the abduction of 20 medical students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), the management of the university has confirmed that those kidnapped are 12 medical students.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abdullahi Abdullahi, who spoke to The Nation on phone yesterday said: “Let me clear one impression, our students kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State are 12, not 20 that was widely reported in the media.

“Among the 12 are 11 medical students and one graduate in Housemanship, making it 12.

“I can confirm that out of the 12 victims in captivity, 11 of them are our students and the 12th is a graduate of Housemanship.’’

It was reported that no fewer than 20 medical students from the UNIJOS were kidnapped in Otukpo last Thursday evening while on their way to Enugu State.

Abdullahi said: “We have reported the matter to the police. You know the incident did not happen in Jos, it happened in Benue State. Our duty is to make appropriate reports, and we have done that.

“We have confidence in the police doing their job, we only need to pray for a successful investigation and eventual release of our students.’’

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Plateau State chapter condemns the recent abduction of some medical students of the University of Jos and Maiduguri by some criminal elements in Benue State.

In a statement, its Chairman, the Unijos Alumni Association, Plateau State, chapter, Gad Peter, said: “We condemn without mincing words, this criminal act and hereby call on every citizen and community leaders to expose criminal elements hiding and using their communities for criminal activities.

“We pray for the safe return of our dear brothers and sisters.”

Credit: thenationonlineng.net