Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has received eight students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara who were rescued by security operatives in a dense forest in Kwara state over the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor visited the students at the Nigerian Army headquarters in Abuja after they had passed psychological testing and been found to be well enough to be reunited with their families.
Governor Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leading from the front in the battle against terrorism and other violent crimes in Nigeria during a speech at the Nigerian Army Headquarters.
For the successful operation that resulted in the safe return of the eight CUSTECH students, the Governor praised Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Advisor, the leadership of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services, the Civil Defense, the local vigilante Service, and the local hunters.
The governor commended the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State for his unwavering support and synergy in the joint efforts to eradicate criminals from border communities between Kogi and Kwara states, which have turned into havens for criminals in recent months. The governor also called for collaboration among state governments and security agencies to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
Ododo pledged to keep Kogi state dangerous for criminals, even as he expressed condolences to the families of two of the kidnapped students who perished at the hands of their captors.
Major General Emmanuel Emeka, the Deputy Chief of Army Operations, on behalf of Lieutenant General Taureed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, stated that the military’s involvement in the rescue effort was a sign that the Nigerian government will keep defending its people in all circumstances.
He assured that the operation will continue until the culprits are found and brought to justice, praising the cooperation between the army and other security services that resulted in the students’ safe rescue.
The eight CUSTECH students were later given to Professor Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu, the university’s vice chancellor, so they could be reunited with their families.