Kidnapped Medical Student Calls Father …

The father of one of the 20 medical students abducted along the Otukpo-Enugu highway, Mr. Kwaghaondona Fagar, has urged both the federal and state governments to step up efforts in the search and rescue of his son and the other victims.

The students, who were traveling to attend the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention in Enugu State, were kidnapped a week ago and taken into a forest near Otukpo, Benue State. Among the abducted are students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.

Speaking to the media in Makurdi, Mr. Fagar, a retired civil servant, expressed deep concern over the plight of the parents, many of whom are elderly and struggling with shock and trauma following the incident. The father, now in his 70s, revealed that since the kidnapping, it has been nearly impossible for the parents to rest or sleep due to their overwhelming worry. Adding to their distress, the abductors have demanded a ransom of N50 million for the students’ release, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

Mr. Fagar expressed disbelief at the ransom demand, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by the parents, many of whom are already grappling with the economic challenges that plague most Nigerians. He questioned how the parents, some of whom are widowed, could possibly raise such an exorbitant amount. “Our situation is unbearable and pathetic,” he said, “Many of the parents of the victims are widows and widowers who are yet to even pay the school fees of our children, let alone be able to raise money for the ransom they are demanding.”

In an emotional plea, Mr. Fagar explained that he had already sold his cars to ensure his son could attend medical school, emphasizing that the parents are feeling utterly powerless in the face of this crisis. “We are helpless in this circumstance,” he lamented, “and we appeal to the Federal and State Governments, and other well-meaning Nigerians, to please intensify the search for our children before the kidnappers start carrying out their threats of killing them one after the other.”

As the situation grows increasingly dire, Mr. Fagar disclosed his personal struggle to gather his portion of the ransom. He and his wife have been working tirelessly to raise N2.5 million, their share of the N50 million demanded by the kidnappers. “It has been difficult,” he said. The parents have been communicating with one another, forming a platform where they coordinate efforts to gather the ransom money. Mr. Fagar shared that his son recently called him, pleading for help. “My son called two days ago and pleaded that I should look for money, as they have been starving, with no food or water,” he said, his voice filled with concern.

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