All the kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State, have been rescued, according to the state government.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the successful rescue operation. He stated that the government is committed to making the state safe for all residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fanwo said, “The Kogi State Government announces the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.”
He added that the state governor, Usman Ododo, had directed full support for the recovery of the students and their parents and that efforts are being made to improve safety in Kogi State.
The kidnapping occurred on Thursday, May 9, 2024, when armed men invaded the university around 9 pm and abducted students who were preparing for their forthcoming examinations. Three days later, the Kogi State Police Command announced that security operatives had rescued 14 students. Unfortunately, two students were killed by the gunmen, and eight were held captive until their recent rescue.
Fanwo acknowledged the critical role played by President Bola Tinubu in mobilizing resources to ensure the students’ safe return. He expressed gratitude to several high-ranking officials and security agencies for their efforts in the operation, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Riba; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanual Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
“The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students,” Fanwo said. He also thanked the local hunters and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their collaboration with other security agencies.
Fanwo urged the public to cooperate with security agencies and provide intelligence to help prevent crime and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
