The Kogi State Police Command revealed on Sunday that 14 of the abducted students from Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, have been rescued after being kidnapped while preparing for exams on Thursday night.
According to reports, armed bandits entered the university premises through the bush, stormed three lecture halls, and fired shots to intimidate the students.
Speaking via telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the rescue of 14 students, adding that efforts are underway to locate the remaining captives.
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Meanwhile, the state government, through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, credited the rescue operation to the coordinated efforts of security forces and local vigilantes, leveraging superior firepower.
The statement disclosed that the students were rescued following a fierce gun battle, during which the kidnappers sustained injuries and fled, leaving the students behind.
Fanwo emphasized Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to ensuring robust security in Kogi State and urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to law enforcement agencies.
However, Governor Ododo had previously assured the safe return of the abducted students and lamented insider collaboration in the abduction, citing the suspicious shutdown of CCTV cameras during the attack.
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