The Kogi state government has announced the successful rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Sunday.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, according to the statement, has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while also implementing measures to enhance security across Kogi state.
The statement expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources that facilitated the rescue operation. Recognition was also given to the National Security Adviser for his dedication to the release of the students and the general security of the state.
Governor Ododo extended appreciation to all security chiefs, the Director-General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police, and all officers and armed forces personnel, including pilots, who contributed to the successful reunion of the kidnapped students with their families. The Kogi state command of security agencies, including police, DSS, NSCDC, and local hunters, were also acknowledged for their efforts.
The governor commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara state for his personal commitment, cooperation, and support which contributed to the success of the rescue operation. The statement highlighted Governor AbdulRazak’s leadership in the Nigerian Governors Forum and reinforced the cooperation between Kogi and Kwara states.
The statement reiterated Governor Ododo’s administration’s commitment to recalibrating the security architecture and maintaining a strong focus on the Safe School Initiative. It emphasized Kogi’s efforts to keep schools safe, ensure every child’s right to education, and defend the right to quality education through measures such as domesticating the Child Rights Act and providing free education up to the secondary school level.
The commissioner urged citizens to provide intelligence to security agencies to prevent crime, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to defeating banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in society.
