- Kogi Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Sunday
Security forces successfully rescued several students who were kidnapped from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Adavi council area of the state.
The abduction occurred when gunmen raided the school on Thursday night while students were studying for upcoming exams scheduled to start on Monday.
Initially, the state government reported that 9 students were taken.
However, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday that the students were freed following Governor Ododo’s visit to the campus, where he pledged their safe rescue.
Although Fanwo did not specify the exact number of rescued students, he mentioned that DSS officers and vigilantes engaged in a shootout with the kidnappers.
The statement read apart, ” This is to inform the general public that some of the students abducted by gunmen at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara has 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.
“The 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”.