Kogi Govt Rescues Additional Eight Abducted Students of CUSTECH

The Kogi State Government of Nigeria announced on Tuesday, March 22, 2023, that it had successfully rescued the remaining eight students who were abducted from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, on March 7, 2023. This information was disclosed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing held at the Government House in Lokoja, the state capital.

According to Fanwo, the rescued students were brought back to safety following a joint operation by security operatives and local vigilantes. He expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of the students and commended the efforts of the security agencies for their diligence and professionalism in ensuring the safe release of the students.

The commissioner also assured residents of the state that the government would continue to prioritize their safety and security, and urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He further urged parents and guardians to keep their children and wards safe by ensuring they adhere strictly to security protocols and guidelines.

The Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, is a state-owned university located in Osara, Kogi State, Nigeria. The university was established in 2012 and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in science, engineering, technology, and other related fields.

On March 7, 2023, some gunmen invaded the university campus and abducted a total of 22 students, leaving many students and staff members in fear and panic. The abduction sparked outrage and concern from various stakeholders, including parents, students, and educational institutions, as well as the Nigerian government and international organizations.

The rescue of the remaining eight students marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of all abducted students and restore normalcy to the university community. The government and security agencies are continuing their search for the remaining students who are still in captivity, and appeals have been made to anyone with information that could lead to their safe release to come forward.

The incident at CUSTECH is just one of many cases of kidnapping and other forms of violence that have plagued educational institutions and communities across Nigeria in recent years, highlighting the need for increased security measures and efforts to address the root causes of such incidents, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.