Breaking; Many abducted students of Confluence University in Kogi regains freedom

By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja

Many of the abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi state have been rescued unhurt, less than twelve hours after the visit of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to the scene of the crime.

In a statement on Sunday morning by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi State
Commissioner for Information and Communications, who did not state the exact number of rescued students, said the rescue operation was carried out by the combined team of the local hunters vigilante, and all other security agencies in the state..

He noted that the abductors who were overpowered by the superior fire powers of the security fled leaving behind the students and some other abducted persons.

The Commissioner added that the security agents are combing the bush to rescue the remaining students who apparently ran in different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange between the security agents and the kidnappers.

He however said that a local hunter and a DSS personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of fire between the kidnappers, saying they are already receiving treatment in the hospital, while the kidnappers escaped with varying degrees of gun wunds.

He added that the rescued students are also being subjected to medical examination at the hospital.

Recalled that Governor Ododo had alleged internal sabotage during his visit to the University on Saturday.

He said, “We installed CCTV cameras in all the classrooms and the entire perimeter of the university campus yet on the day of the attack, our investigation so far revealed that all the cameras were switched off and this can only be attributed to sabotage by internal collaborators.

“Our security agencies are on their heels and investigation is ongoing. All our students shall return safely and the perpetrators shall be brought to book”, the Governor assured.

Speaking further on the ongoing rescue efforts, Governor Ododo disclosed that there will be regular review of the operation as more facts emerge from the investigation.

According to the Governor:
“I am here to see things myself; to assess the situation and also to review the ongoing operation that will ensure the safe return of the students to the school. What is most important now is how to rescue our students unhurt.

“We have the right information at our disposal but we can’t put all that out in the media. I want the parents and students to be calm as we are making concerted effort to secure the return of the students.”

The statement in full
“This is to inform the general public that some of the students abducted by gun men at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara have been rescued safely by local hunters and other security agents, hours after the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to rescuing the students.

“Local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gun wounds, leaving the kidnapped students who also ran in different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange.

“Many of the students kidnapped and even other people in captivity have been rescued and taken to medical facilities for proper attention, while many others were also rescued in the early hours of today.

“Security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.

“In the sporadic gun battle to rescue our dear students, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries and they are currently receiving medical attention.

“We commend our local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry. Of special commendation is the DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation on the outlaws. The security agencies have once again demonstrated why Kogi State will remain an uncomfortable place for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“The success recorded so far is a clear testament of the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure adequate and uncompromising security for the people of Kogi State.

“We urge residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.

However, the police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP William Ovye Ayah when contacted, told our Correspondent that he was yet to get update from his men on the field.