The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of six more students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, who were kidnapped by gunmen last Thursday. This brings the total number of rescued students to 20, with four still missing.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the rescued students have reunited with their families. He also revealed that some of the kidnappers escaped with severe injuries during a gun duel with security agents.
The kidnapping incident occurred when gunmen stormed the university at night, abducting students who were preparing for their exams. The state government had immediately commenced rescue operations, which have resulted in the freedom of 20 students so far.
Okay.ng reports that the Kogi varsity attack is the latest in a series of assaults on schools across Nigeria, which have seen hundreds of students kidnapped since 2014.
Despite reports that despite assurances from the Federal Government and security agencies, the abductions continue, with villagers and travelers also being targeted for ransom.
The situation has led to calls for the creation of state police to address the growing insecurity in the country.