Some of the students abducted when gunmen broke into Confluence University of Science and Technology(CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, have been rescued, according to the state government.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, announced this in a statement issued on Sunday.
“This is to inform the general public that some of the students abducted by gun men at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara have been rescued safely by local hunters and other security agents, hours after the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to rescuing the students.”
“Local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gun wounds, leaving 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. Security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.”
He added that in the ensued exchange of gunfire to rescue the kidnapped students, “some students, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries and they are currently receiving medical attention”.
The government therefore urged residents to report anyone with gun wound in their communities to law enforcement agents immediately for action.
It also commended local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry in their efforts to rescue and bring the abducted students back home safely, to reunite with their family.
The Kogi police command also confirmed release of some students to newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, on Sunday.
William Aya, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO ), who confirmed this, said effort is being intensified to rescue more of the students from their abductors.
The gunmen in their hundreds reportedly abducted unknown number of students who were receiving tutorials in their classrooms on Thursday and ferried them to unknown location in the bush.
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