Security operatives have rescued an additional six kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Kogi State.

This increased to 20, the number of students of the university already rescued by a combined team of security operatives and local hunters.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo disclosed this via a statement issued on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Bandits invaded the institution last Thursday and abducted 24 students. The students were kidnapped while reading for their first semester examination slated to commence on  Monday, May 13.

Fanwo noted: “Government’s data shows that only four students are still missing from Thursday’s abduction of CUSTECH students.

Police: Bandits kidnapped 24 Kogi varsity students

“Meanwhile, frantic efforts are being made to locate and rescue the four.

“Fierce gun battle between security agents and the kidnappers forced the kidnappers to abandon the six rescued students, with some escaping with severe injuries.

“The families of the six recently-rescued students have confirmed their safe return home as the first 14.”

The commissioner said Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo expressed appreciation to the joint security operatives who carried out the rescue operations.

He quoted the governor as urging the security agents to continue the search until the remaining students were rescued unhurt.

“This government wishes to assure the public that the security architecture around schools has been recalibrated for efficiency and early warning systems to prevent future occurrences,” Fanwo added.

He stated that the 14 students rescued earlier were getting the required attention, adding that security agents are combing the forests to ensure that all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.

The Star