The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has condemned the recent kidnapping of about 20 medical students and a house officer by bandits in Benue State.
The Ministry described the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a significant threat to the nation’s healthcare system.
In a press statement signed by Ado Bako, the Assistant Director of Information, Public Relations, the Ministry expressed deep concern over the abduction.
‘The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened and concerned about the kidnapping of these medical students. Their safety and well-being are our top priority,’ the statement read.
The Ministry called on the kidnappers to release the students immediately and unconditionally. It emphasized that healthcare professionals and students must be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence.
‘This act of violence is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Nigeria. We must create a safe environment for them to serve the nation’. He a
dded.
Bako said the ministry has called security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
‘We are calling on the relevant security agencies to do everything within their power to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students. The perpetrators must be held accountable for this heinous crime,’ the statement urged.
The Ministry also sent a strong message to those responsible for such criminal activities, calling on them to desist from further violence.
‘We call on the perpetrators of this crime to respect the sanctity of human life and to stop these evil activities that endanger the lives of innocent people’. Bako emphasized.
This incident, according to the Ministry, is a setback in the nation’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce. The abduction has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers, particularly in regions prone to violence.
‘We cannot overstate the importance of protecting our healthcare professionals, they are
essential to the health and well-being of our nation. Any threat to their safety is a threat to all of us,’ Bako stated.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely. ‘We will not rest until the students are safely returned and those responsible are brought to justice’. The statement affirmed.
The Ministry also extended its support to the families of the kidnapped students during this difficult time. ‘We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted students. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we offer our full support,’ Bako assured.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all healthcare professionals and students across the country. ‘We remain committed to taking all necessary measures to protect our healthcare workforce and ensure they can work without fear,’ the statement concluded.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for increased protection for healthcare workers, h
ighlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those in the field.
Source : Voice of Nigeria