By Segun Otokiti, Abuja
Both the House of Representatives and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have called on all the security agencies in the country to collaborate to rescue the 20 medical students abducted on their way to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu.
According to reports, the students, from universities of Jos and Maiduguri were abducted on Thursday, August 15, 2024 on their way to the stated conference.
The incident has caused serious alarm and distress across the country, with the federal lawmakers and NMA expressing deep concern over the fate of the students.
Emphasizing the organization’s deep concern for the safety and well-being of the abducted students, NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, stated in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police that given the urgency of the matter and the potential risks to the lives of the young students, the force should deploy all necessary resources to secure immediate and safe return of the students.
“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time,” Egbo added in the letter.
Similarly, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stated, “As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation.
“Medical students are also crucial to the future of healthcare excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their education, safety, and well-being are vital to the progress and health of our society.”
Expressing solidarity with NMA and NANS, the House of Representatives said it stood with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.
Rep. Dennis Idahosa, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, further emphasized thus: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system.
“We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country. No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.
“The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”
