The Kogi State Government has vowed that the kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, near Okene, will be rescued alive.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, made this known in a statement on Friday morning.
He noted that security agents have been deployed to track the kidnappers and rescue the abducted victims, with plans to apprehend the kidnappers.
“The Kogi State Government received a very disturbing news at about 21.00 hrs, Thursday, 9th May, 2024 that the Confluence University of Science and Technology was invaded by kidnappers.
“Immediately the report was received, the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo activated the security architecture to track the kidnappers and ensure the abducted students are rescued and the abductors apprehended.
“Hundreds of local hunters who understand the terrain as well as the conventional security agents are currently combing the area to ensure safe rescue of the abducted students who were kidnapped in the classrooms. So far, nine students have been reported missing.
“We wish to assure students, parents and the entire people of Kogi State that the Government is on top of the situation and all the abducted students will be rescued alive. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has also directed that security agents be positioned around all tertiary institutions in the State,” the statement read in part.
The state government praised the local hunters and other security agents for their brave efforts in confronting the kidnappers, stating that their courage and dedication prevented the kidnappers from having a successful operation, which could have been even more disastrous.
“The State Government will spare nothing in ensuring that all the students abducted are safely rescued and reunited with their families. We won’t submit to terror. We shall prevail,” the statement added.
Punch Metro had earlier reported that gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the CUSTEC late Thursday night, abducting several students.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the armed assailants launched an attack on the university around 9pm as students were getting ready for their upcoming first-semester exams, scheduled to start on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The bandits entered the university premises through the bush and targeted three lecture halls. They fired gunshots into the air to intimidate and control their victims.
“They trapped the students inside the halls and started taking them; the school was thrown into total confusion as fear-stricken students in other halls scurried to safety, scampering in various directions,” one source recounted.
The local security guards and conventional security personnel stationed at the gate bravely engaged the bandits, limiting the extent of the damage. Despite their efforts, the bandits were able to abduct some students before being pushed back.
“But the efforts minimized the damage as the attackers didn’t go beyond the first three halls,” the source added.
A student, who preferred anonymity, explained that he and some colleagues fled into the bush, where they remained hidden for over an hour. “We only ventured out when everywhere became quiet,” he recounted.
Vice-Chancellor of CUSTEC, Prof Abduraman Asipita, confirmed the incident but chose not to disclose the number of students abducted. “I don’t talk to journalists on incidents like this, but I want you to know that we are on top of the situation,” he stated.
Efforts to contact Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Bethrand Onuoha, were unsuccessful. Similarly, calls made to Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser, went unanswered.
Abduction for ransom has sadly become a recurring issue in various parts of the country. In February, gunmen kidnapped nine travellers along the Kabba/Obajana/Lokoja Road in Oshokoshoko, Kogi State.
