A week after 20 medical students and their house officer from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State, a distraught parent has called on the federal and state governments to secure the release of the victims.
Mr. Kwaghaondona Fagar, a retiree and father of one of the abducted students, made this urgent plea during a press briefing at his residence in Makurdi.
Mr. Fagar expressed his deep concern over the N50 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers, highlighting the severe financial strain on the parents, many of whom are already struggling to pay their children’s medical school fees.
He described the situation as “unbearable,” noting that several parents are widows or widowers, making it even more challenging to raise the required funds.
Since his retirement from the Benue State civil service in January 2013, Mr. Fagar has not received his gratuity, relying solely on his monthly pension, which was recently resumed by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
He revealed that in his effort to support his son’s education at the University of Jos, he has sold his vehicles and other possessions, but now faces the daunting task of raising his share of the ransom, amounting to N2.5 million.
“My son called two days ago, begging me to find the money as they are being starved, with no food or water,” Mr. Fagar said, his voice heavy with emotion.
In a Save-Our-Soul message, Mr. Fagar appealed to the government and compassionate Nigerians to help secure the students’ release before the kidnappers carry out their threat to kill them one by one.
He also pleaded with the kidnappers to release the students unharmed, allowing them to return to their families and continue their education.