The Kogi State Government says no fewer than nine students were abducted by bandits in an attack on the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), Osara in the Okene area of the state.
The Star had reported that the students were kidnapped by bandits following an attack on the university on Thursday night.
The students were said to be preparing for their first semester examination expected to commence on Monday, May 13, when the bandits struck.
Speaking on the incident on Friday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo disclosed that nine students were abducted in the invasion.
Fanwo added that the state government has deployed security operatives and hundreds of local hunters into the bush on the trail of the gunmen.
The commissioner noted that the combined effort is to rescue the abducted students.
He said: “Hundreds of local hunters, who understand the terrain, as well as the conventional security agents, are currently combing the area to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students who were kidnapped from their classrooms.
Bandits attack Kogi varsity, kidnap students
“So far, nine students have been reported missing and we hope to rescue them as soon as possible.
“We wish to assure students, parents and the entire people of Kogi State that the government is on top of the situation and all the abducted students will be rescued alive.
“Governor Usman Ododo has also directed that security agents be positioned around all tertiary institutions in the state.”
The commissioner commended the local hunters and other security agents who rose stoutly to engage the kidnappers during the attack.
According to him, their gallantry and dedication ensured that the kidnappers did not have a field day.
Fanwo said the state government would spare nothing toward ensuring that all the students abducted were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“We won’t submit to terror. We shall prevail by God’s grace,” he added.
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