Bandits on Thursday night invaded the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, in Kogi State, kidnapping several students.
According to an eyewitness, the bandits raided the university at approximately 9 pm while students were engaged in preparatory studies for their impending exams.
The source reported that the bandits entered the premises through the bush, infiltrating three lecture halls, where they fired shots into the air to intimidate the students.
“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.
“By the time local security guards and the conventional security men at the gate engaged the bandits, they had already succeeded in abducting some students.
“But the efforts minimised the damage as the attackers didn’t go beyond the first three halls,” the source said.
According to the source, the students were gearing up for their first-semester examination slated to start on Monday, May 13, when the bandits launched their attack.
One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted that he and several classmates sought refuge in the nearby bush, where they remained concealed for “over an hour.”
“We only ventured out when everywhere became quiet,” he said.
Contacted, CUSTEC Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, confirmed the incident but refused to give details of 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 said.
Attempts to contact Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, were unsuccessful.
Similarly, efforts to reach retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, proved fruitless as calls to his phone were unanswered and not returned.
As seen in various regions across the nation, kidnapping for ransom has unfortunately become a common occurrence. In February, gunmen reportedly abducted nine travelers in Oshokoshoko, along the Kabba/Obajana/Lokoja Road in Kogi State.