The Kogi State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of 14 abducted students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene. The students were taken captive by bandits while studying for their upcoming examinations on Thursday night.
According to William Aya, the State Police Public Relations Officer, efforts are underway to locate and rescue the remaining abducted students. Security operatives are currently combing the bush area where the abduction took place in search of the missing students.
In a statement issued by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, it was revealed that the rescue operation was carried out by local hunters and security agents. The operation involved a fierce shootout with the kidnappers, who eventually fled the scene with gunshot wounds, leaving behind the kidnapped students.
Several students, along with other individuals held in captivity, have been safely rescued and taken to medical facilities for treatment. The commissioner acknowledged the bravery of the local hunters and security agents involved in the rescue mission, despite injuries sustained by a local hunter and a DSS operative during the operation.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abducted students. He condemned the apparent insider collaboration in the abduction, noting that despite the installation of CCTV cameras on the university campus, they were mysteriously switched off during the attack, indicating possible sabotage.
The success of the rescue operation reflects the state government’s dedication to providing robust security measures for the people of Kogi State. Residents are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting individuals with gunshot wounds in their communities.