Bandits struck the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene in Kogi State on Thursday night, abducting students who were preparing for upcoming exams. The attackers, armed and numbering several, entered the university premises through the bush around 9pm, creating panic among the students by firing shots into the air.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits targeted three lecture halls, trapping students inside before proceeding to abduct them. Despite efforts by local security guards and conventional security personnel at the gate to engage the attackers, some students were taken captive. However, their swift response prevented further incursions beyond the initial three halls.
The students, who were gearing up for their first-semester examinations scheduled to commence on May 13, found themselves in a state of terror as they sought refuge, with some hiding in nearby bushes for over an hour.
While the Vice Chancellor of CUSTEC, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, confirmed the incident, he declined to provide specific details regarding the number of abducted students, stating that the university is managing the situation effectively.
Efforts to reach Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, for comments were unsuccessful.