The 14 Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) students who were kidnapped on Thursday night in Osara, Kogi State, have been freed.
This was revealed on Sunday in Lokoja by North Central State Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha.
As the Confluence University students were preparing for their first semester exam, which was set to start on May 13, the bandits broke into the school and kidnapped them.
“A combined team of security operatives, including local hunters, who ran after the bandits, successfully rescued 14 of the kidnapped students.
“One of the rescued students told us that 24 students were captured.
“The security operatives will not relent. We are determined to get the remaining students back alive and unhurt,” Onuoha said.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Information Commissioner, confirmed the rescue and said the 14 students received the required attention.
He expressed joy that the rescue came hours after Gov Usman Ododo visited the institution and assured parents of his readiness to rescue everyone taken.
“Our local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout, and the kidnappers fled. Some escaped with gun wounds.
“They fled and left 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.
“Some were rescued in the early hours of today.
“The security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure that all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.
“It is unfortunate, however, that in the sporadic gun battle to rescue the students, a local hunter and a security operative sustained injuries. They are currently receiving medical attention,” he said.
The commissioner, however, commended the local hunters and the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry.
According to him, the success recorded so far was made possible by the support of Ododo who is bent on securing every Kogi resident.
He urged residents to report anyone with gun wounds to law enforcement agents.
