Eko Hot Blog reports that, in a positive development that has brought relief to many, the Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of an additional six students abducted from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Osara, Okene.
This brings the total number of rescued students to twenty, leaving four still unaccounted for.
Providing details on the operation, Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information, revealed that the intense gunfight between security forces and the kidnappers led to the latter being overpowered and forced to abandon the students.
“Some of the kidnappers were said to have managed to escape with serious injuries,” Fanwo stated, highlighting the bravery and determination of the security personnel involved.
The families of the recently rescued six students have confirmed their safe return home, further alleviating the harrowing ordeal that had gripped the community.
Governor Usman Ododo, expressing profound gratitude to the Joint Forces involved in the rescue operations, urged them to persist in their efforts until all students are accounted for and brought back safely.
“We wish to assure the public that the security architecture around our schools has been recalibrated for efficiency and early warning alarm to prevent future occurrences,” Ododo stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of educational institutions across the state.
The abduction, which occurred late last week when unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits invaded CUSTEC, had caused widespread concern and outrage.
The initial rescue efforts had seen 14 students regain their freedom, but the recent development has brought renewed hope for the safe return of the remaining four.
As the Joint Forces continue their operations, the state government has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the security of students and staff within the educational sector.
Stringent measures, including enhanced surveillance and early warning systems, are being implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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