Mr. Kwaghaondona Fagar, the father of one of the 20 medical students kidnapped along the Otukpo-Enugu highway, has made an urgent plea to both Federal and state governments to intensify efforts to rescue his son and his colleagues.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were abducted last week while traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention in Enugu State.
In a heartfelt statement made over the weekend in Makurdi, the retired civil servant expressed deep concern over the trauma faced by the students’ families, particularly the elderly parents who are struggling to cope with the situation.
Mr. Fagar, a septuagenarian, described the emotional toll the kidnapping has taken on the families, noting the sleepless nights and the anguish exacerbated by the kidnappers’ demand for a N50 million ransom.
He highlighted the severe financial constraints faced by the victims’ families, many of whom are widows and widowers already struggling to cover their children’s school fees.
“Our situation is unbearable and pathetic,” Mr. Fagar said.
“Many of the parents are widows and widowers who are yet to even pay the school fees of our children, let alone raise the money for the ransom demanded.”
Mr. Fagar emotionally recounted his personal sacrifices, including selling his cars to fund his son’s education. He appealed to the government and well-meaning Nigerians to help in locating and rescuing the students before the kidnappers follow through on their threats.
“We are helpless in this circumstance,” he said. “I have been looking around with my wife to source the sum of N2.5 million, which is my share of the ransom. It has been difficult.”
The distraught father also shared that the students, who are reportedly starving without food or water, have been in contact with their families, pleading for urgent financial assistance.
“All the parents are communicating and sourcing for the ransom to pay,” he added. “We are all in a platform making serious efforts.”
Mr. Fagar’s appeal underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to rescue the kidnapped students and address the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria.