In a disturbing wave of abductions, gunmen have struck in two separate incidents, kidnapping the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha-Mba, along with his wife, and abducting 20 medical students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Benue State.

The first incident occurred on Friday when Agha-Mba, his wife, and an aide were attacked while traveling through Edo State. The group was en route to Abuja to attend the wedding ceremony of Adaora, the daughter of Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo. Tragically, one of Agha-Mba’s aides was killed during the assault. The spokesperson for the Anambra State Governor, Christian Aburime, confirmed the abduction and the death of the aide on Friday evening.

In a separate incident on Thursday evening, gunmen ambushed and kidnapped no fewer than 20 medical students from UNIJOS in Otukpo, Benue State. The students were on their way to Enugu for the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students convention when they were taken. The Benue State Police spokesperson, Sewuese Anene, reported that the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. and that an investigation is ongoing.

These incidents have sparked widespread concern over the increasing insecurity in the country. As of the time of reporting, no further information has been provided on their whereabouts or condition.