The Nigerian Army has handed over eight students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in the Osara area of Kogi State, who were rescued on Sunday, June 2, 2024, to Governor Usman Ododo.

The handing over was conducted by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the army headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 3.

Emekah said the troops of the Nigerian Army in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies rescued the abducted students who were kidnapped by gunmen on May 9.

He said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago village in Kwara State following an intense clearance mission.

He added that the operation was still ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

In his remarks, Ododo thanked God for making it possible for the rescue of the students, adding that it was a mixed feeling for him as two of the 31 abducted students were killed by the abductors.

Bandits kill 2 kidnapped Kogi varsity students in captivity

Ododo, who said 29 of the students were rescued, appreciated the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the military in the fight against insecurity in the country.

He also thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for making the country’s security apparatus more effective, efficient and technology-driven.

The governor said: “At this level, I have come to realise that the Nigerian army has all it takes to stamp out kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminal activities from our land.

“Because the level of synergy, the level of understanding, collaboration, and coordination carried out by them professionally is highly commendable and I sincerely appreciate you and your men.

“I want to promise that Kogi State will always be there to partner with you and we are ever ready to answer your call at any point in time and fighting crimes and criminality in our land.

“We have all it takes in terms of equipment and we will continue to collaborate and synergise with your agencies to make sure our land is free of all these criminalities.”

Ododo assured the students that the government would continue to support them to ensure that they succeed in their aspiration and educational pursuits.

The Star