The Kogi State Government has confirmed that nine students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, were abducted on Thursday night.
The students were taken from their lecture halls around 9 pm by armed individuals who entered the university through the bush.
According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, “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.”
Fanwo stated that immediately the report was received, the Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo “activated the security architecture to track the kidnappers and ensure the abducted students are rescued and the abductors apprehended.”
Security operatives and local hunters are currently working together to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students. The state government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the students’ safe return.
As stated by Fanwo, “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.”
The state government has commended the efforts of the security operatives and local hunters, saying, “We wish to commend the local hunters and other security agents who rose stoutly to engage the kidnappers. Their gallantry and dedication ensured that the kidnappers did not have a field day which would have been more calamitous.”
The government has assured the public that it “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.”
