Gunmen on Thursday evening invaded the Kogi State government owned Confluence University of Science and Technology ( CUSTECH) , Osara near Okene and kidnapped nine students of the university.
Reports said the gunmen numbering about 30 and armed to the teeth invaded the university at about 7:35pm to kidnap the students from classrooms where they were studying for their semester examination which starts from next week Monday.
The kidnappers were said to have invaded the campus from a nearby bush to abduct the students.
They also escaped with their victims through the same bush.
The university security personnel who were attracted by cries from students were said to have confronted the kidnapped, making it difficult for them to kidnap many students.
In a swift reaction, the Visitor to the university, Governor Usman Ododo has ordered policemen and local hunters familiar with the terrian to track the kidnappers and ensure the abducted students are rescued safely.
Kogi State government has confirmed the abduction of the nine students whose identities are yet to be established.
The state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the abduction of the students in a statement in Lokoja Friday morning.
The full text of the statement reads thus :
” 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.
” Immediately the report was received, the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo activated the security architecture to track the kidnappers and ensure the abducted students are rescued and the abductors apprehended.
“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.
“We wish to assure students, parents and the entire people of Kogi State that the Government is on top of the situation and all the abducted students will be rescued alive.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has also directed that security agents be positioned around all tertiary institutions in the State.
“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 State Government 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.” (vitalnewsngr.com)
