The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a newly-inducted radiographer, Basherah Ojedeyi, along with several passengers in the Ibbi-Bussa area of the state.
Ojedeyi, a graduate of Usmanu Danfodio University, was reportedly travelling from Sokoto to Osun State to begin her internship when the incident occurred on Monday, September 29. Her vehicle had earlier broken down in Mokwa before contact with her was lost.
Police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said armed men attacked a police checkpoint on the Ibbi-Bussa road, injuring an officer and damaging a patrol vehicle before proceeding to block the road and abduct passengers from three vehicles.
“The command has mobilised tactical teams in collaboration with other security agencies and vigilante groups to rescue the victims and apprehend the hoodlums,” Abiodun said.
Family sources confirmed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million but have since gone silent.
The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria condemned the incident, describing it as an assault on healthcare professionals, and urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to secure Ojedeyi’s release.
The abduction adds to a troubling trend of medical workers being targeted by kidnappers. Reports show that more than 100 health professionals were abducted across Nigeria between 2019 and 2023, often subjected to violence and ransom demands.
Authorities say efforts to rescue Ojedeyi and the other victims are ongoing.