Eko Hot Blog reports the Kogi State Government has successfully rescued the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara (CUSTECH), according to an official statement released on Sunday.
With these latest rescues, the total number of students recovered rises to 30, out of the 32 initially abducted last month.
The students were taken from the school premises while preparing for their exams, a distressing event that sparked widespread concern and a robust response from the state authorities.
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo
Following the abductions, the state government, deciding against paying the ransom, launched a combined “kinetic and non-kinetic” offensive against the abductors, which has been partly credited for these successful rescues.
Unfortunately, amidst these efforts, two students were tragically killed last week by their captors, an act that has intensified the resolve of state officials.
In his announcement of the rescues, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, conveyed the government’s ongoing commitment to combating kidnapping and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The statement reads, “The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
The Governor has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.
“The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.
“We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State.
“The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the Pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.
“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expresses immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak for his personal commitment, cooperation and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students.
“The Kwara State Governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced the Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose.
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