Kogi State Government on Sunday declared that some of the abducted students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara by yet to be identified gunmen have been safely rescued by the combined effort of security agencies, hunters and vigilante groups.
The State’s commissioner for information and communication Kingsley Femi Fanwo who disclosed this in a statement he issued on Sunday morning said that 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.
The statement added that many of the students kidnapped and other people in captivity of the kidnappers have been rescued in the early hours of Sunday and were 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.
“In the sporadic gun battle to rescue our dear students, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries and they are currently receiving medical attention.
“We commend our local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry. Of special commendation is the DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation on the outlaws.
“The security agencies have once again demonstrated why Kogi State will remain an uncomfortable place for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
“The success recorded so far is a clear testament of the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure adequate and uncompromising security for the people of Kogi State” the statement said.
The commissioner urged residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.
