CCTV cameras were switched off before abduction of Kogi varsity students – Gov Ododo

Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Saturday expressed dismay that all the CCTV cameras were switched off before the abduction of students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), Osara, Kogi.

The governor disclosed this when he visited the university campus for an assessment of the security situation in the wake of the security breach on the campus that led to the abduction of the students.

Bandits had invaded the institution on Thursday night and abducted nine students, whose whereabouts remained unknown as the assailants were yet to make contact with the management of the institution.

Ododo, who was taken around the surroundings by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdulraman Asipita, said: “It is our duty as a government to protect lives and property in all parts of the state.

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“We are prepared to protect the students and that is why we allowed the students to stay on the campus.

“It’s unfortunate that in spite of installed CCTV cameras in all the classrooms and the entire perimeter of the university campus, the abductors still struck.

“Our investigation so far revealed that all the cameras were switched off and this can only be attributed to sabotage by internal collaborators.”

According to him, security agencies are on their heels, adding that an investigation was ongoing to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

He disclosed that there would be regular review of the operation as more facts emerge from the investigation.

“I am here to see things myself; to assess the situation and also to review the ongoing operation that will ensure the safe return of the students to the school. What is most important now is how to rescue our students unhurt.

“We have the right information at our disposal but we can’t put all that out in the media. I want the parents and students to be calm as we are making concerted effort to secure the return of the students,” he said.

Ododo commended the security agencies for their gallantry in minimizing the impact of the attack by preventing the attackers from gaining access to the university hostels.

“Nothing will be spared to bring back the students and to prevent a repeat of such unfortunate attack on the university campus and elsewhere in the state,” Ododo assured. (NAN)