The Kogi state government has said all eight remaining abducted students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) have regained freedom.
News About Nigeria reports that the number of rescued students is 30.
Recall that early last month, while they were getting ready for their examinations to start, 32 students were kidnapped from within the school’s premises.
First to be freed were four of the abducted students; then came sixteen more; then two students managed to escape on their own; and last, eight pupils were freed.
Two of the abducted students were killed last week by the abductors following the state government’s decision not to pay ransom for the victims but rather to embark on a ‘kinetic and non-kinetic’ onslaught against the kidnappers.
The release was contained in a statement on Sunday by the state commissioner for information and communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
“The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
“The Governor has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.
“The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilisation of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.
“We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the state.
“The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police, and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best, as well as the pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.
“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, police, DSS, NSCDC, and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expresses immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak, for his personal commitment, cooperation, and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students.
“The Kwara State Governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced Kogi/Kwara’s cooperation and unity of purpose,” the statement read.
