All the kidnapped students from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Kogi State, have been rescued.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents in Kogi.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, Fanwo said the state governor, Usman Ododo “directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.”
“The Kogi State Government announces the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.”
Mobilisation Of Resources
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, kidnappers invaded Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) around 9 pm, abducting several students who were preparing for their upcoming exams.
Three days later, the Kogi State Police Command announced that security operatives had rescued 14 students. Initially, two students were killed by the gunmen, and eight were held captive.
In a recent statement, the Kogi State Government mentioned that President Bola Tinubu mobilized resources to ensure the safe rescue of the students.
The Commissioner for Information also expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for their collective efforts in the operation.
Fanwo also commended local hunters and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for collaborating with other security agencies.
“The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.
“We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State. The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the Pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.
“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat,” Fanwo said.
He also called on members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and volunteer intelligence to help prevent crime and ensure a safer environment for everyone.