Second vice president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, has said that abductors of the 20 medical students of the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos have opened negotiations with their families.
In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Dr Anenga disclosed that the abductors were demanding N50 million ransom for their release.
“This is a security matter, so we cannot give details of what we are doing but we are working hand in hand with all the security agencies to ensure that they are released safely. The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students conference (FECAMDS) which they were going for before the incident happened will soon end and we are also working round the clock to ensure that those who already there go back safely.
“Initially, they wanted to put off the conference because of the incident but on another thought they said they would use the conference to offer prayers for the safe return of those kidnapped, and we are all working together to ensure their release.
“The kidnappers have given phones to the students to make calls and also send messages to their loved ones, so they have been calling their parents, fellow students and friends, we hope to see them return soon,” Anenga stated.
Recall that on Thursday, 20 medical students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu State and were kidnapped in Otukpo area of Benue State.
