More than 20 medical and dental students, along with a house officer, have been kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State.

The students were travelling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed around 5.30pm in the Otukpo area, reports Vanguard.

The victims are reportedly from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.

The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction and stated that an investigation is underway.

“Yes, the report of the kidnapping is true. It was received between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and an investigation is ongoing,” she said.

PUNCH Online reports Friday that no official demand for ransom or conditions for their release have been made at this time.Kidnapping has become increasingly rampant in Benue and other parts of Nigeria, with the state frequently witnessing abductions that have left communities in fear and insecurity.

In May, two female students of the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, were kidnapped by gunmen.

In July, gunmen abducted three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr Emmanuel Barki and demanded N70m ransom.

Ten people were reportedly kidnapped at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in March.

This troubling trend is part of a broader surge in kidnapping incidents across the country, where criminal groups target individuals and groups, often demanding hefty ransoms.

The rise in such activities underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and address the root causes fueling this wave of criminality.