Nigeria is experiencing an increased problem with kidnappings, where the perpetrators are demanding ransom for the abducted.
In the latest case, a number of medical students were kidnapped in eastern Nigeria when they were traveling to an annual gathering organized by a Catholic student organization for medical candidates.
According to the organization, 20 students were kidnapped outside the town of Otupko on their way to the gathering in Enugu late on Thursday. The kidnappers have demanded ransom for the abducted students, according to the organization's spokesperson.
A private security firm estimates that nearly 5,000 kidnappings were carried out over a six-month period until January 2024, despite laws and penalties for kidnappings being tightened.
