Several students from Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene in Kogi State, who were abducted, have been successfully rescued, as confirmed by the state government.
According to Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, in a statement released on Sunday, the students were safely rescued with the assistance of local hunters and other security personnel.
Although the exact number of rescued students was not disclosed by Fanwo, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Aya, indicated via text message that 14 students had been rescued.
Fanwo explained that the local vigilantes and security forces engaged the kidnappers in a fierce confrontation, resulting in the kidnappers being overpowered and fleeing with gunshot wounds. Consequently, the abducted students, fearing for their safety, scattered in various directions during the exchange of gunfire. Fanwo further revealed that the rescued students, along with other kidnapped victims, have been transported to a medical facility for necessary medical attention.
Efforts are currently underway by security personnel to thoroughly search the forests and ensure the safe rescue of any remaining students still held captive. Additionally, Fanwo acknowledged the bravery and valor displayed by the local hunters and security forces, particularly commending the Department of State Services (DSS) for coordinating a courageous response based on credible intelligence.
The statement also highlighted the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to prioritize the security of Kogi State residents, reaffirming that the state will continue to be a hostile environment for criminals. Residents were urged to report individuals with gunshot wounds in their communities to law enforcement authorities.
The abduction occurred while the students were studying for their first-semester examination scheduled for Monday, May 13. Gunmen stormed the classrooms on Thursday night, firing shots indiscriminately, and subsequently abducted an unspecified number of students. Initially, Fanwo had reported nine missing students in an earlier statement issued on Friday.
