* As Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan condemns attack
The Kogi State government has vowed to rescue students kidnapped by bandits on Thursday at its Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH).
Contrary to initial reports that over 30 undergraduates were taken hostage by the gunmen, the government said nine students have so far been reported missing.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said on Friday that the government has mobilized local hunters and security agents to embark on a manhunt for the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the victims.
Praising the rescue team, the commissioner said: “Their gallantry and dedication ensured that the kidnappers did not have a field day which would have been more calamitous.”
The government vowed that it would spare nothing in ensuring that all the students abducted are safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“We won’t submit to terror. We shall prevail,” the commissioner added.
“Hundreds of local hunters who understand the terrain as well as the conventional security agents are currently combing the area to ensure safe rescue of the abducted students who were kidnapped in the classrooms.”
Assuring students, parents and the entire residents of the State that it is on top of the situation, the government said all the abducted would be rescued alive.
According to Fanwo, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that security agents be positioned to safeguard all tertiary institutions in the State.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the abduction of the students of CUSTECH, Osara, describing it is unacceptable.
Natasha, through a statement on Friday, equally called for improved security across the State, describing the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” adding that innocent students should not be subjected to such a traumatic treatment.
She stressed that learning environments must be protected from such attacks, urging security agencies to ensure the safe release of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The lawmaker offered her support and assistance to ensure the students’ safe return, emphasizing the need for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.