Kogi State government has announced that some of the kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara have been rescued by security operatives in the state.
Kingsley Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday.
The rescue of the students is coming less than 24-hrs after Governor Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to rescuing their abducted wards.
He said the rescued students are currently going through medical examination at health facility.
Fanwo added that a local hunter and a DSS operative who sustained injuries during the rescue operation are currently receiving medical attention at the same facility.
Fanwo said the students were rescued when local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout.
He said the kidnappers succumbed to the “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, while many others were also rescued in the early hours of today.
“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,” Fanwo said.
The state government commended the 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 state government urged residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.
