The Kogi State Police Command has disclosed that 24 students were abducted by bandits during an attack on the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in the Okene area of the state.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police Bethrand Onuoha disclosed this while announcing the rescue of 14 students by security operatives on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

The state government had said nine students were abducted by bandits who invaded the university last Thursday.

The CUSTECH students were kidnapped while they were reading for their first semester examination slated to commence on Monday, May 13.

Speaking in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, Onuoha said one of the rescued students disclosed that 24 students were abducted.

The police commissioner said: “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.

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“The security operatives will not relent. We are determined to get the remaining students back alive and unhurt.”

Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, who also confirmed the rescue, said the students were getting the required medical attention.

Fanwo expressed joy that the rescue came hours after Governor Usman Ododo visited the institution and assured parents of his readiness to rescue the abducted victims.

He said: “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 (Sunday).

“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.”

The Star