By correspondent in Lokoja.
… Says Exact number of students abducted yet to ascertained at the moment
This is contained in a statement signed by the Vice Chancellor of the university,Engr. Prof. Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu
Vice-Chancellor on Friday and copied journalists in Lokoja.
He wrote;”This is to inform the general public that Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara experienced an unfortunate security incidence on Thursday 9th May, 2024 around 8:23 p.m.
“Some of our students who were gathered for tutorials ahead of their First Semester Examinations scheduled to commence on Monday 13th May, 2024 were abducted. The exact number of our students involved is being ascertained at the moment.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and the State Security Adviser, Cmdr. Jerry Omodara as well as the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu together with the Management Staff swung into action immediately they got wind of the unpleasant news by deploying members of various security agencies on rescue mission.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State has directed that CUSTECH will remain in session and that the students abducted will be returned back unhurt.
“We want to allay the fears of the public and also assure parents and guardians of our dear students that must have been involved in the incident that no stone will be left unturned till we have them back safely into our fold at CUSTECH.
“We do understand the present anxiety that this has generated based on this, parents who want their wards out of the campus can go ahead with such a decision as lectures and examinations are kept on hold for now till further notice.
“We are assuring parents and guardians who will want their children to remain on campus not to fret over their safety as the situation is under control at the moment.
“We will continue to update the public on the progress we are making for the safe return of our students involved. Also and as always, proactive security measures will continue to be taken for the safety our dear students under our care.”
Sources from the university told The Reporters that the bandits gained entrance to the campus of the institution at 8:30 p.m on Thursday, went straight to the lecture halls and took many students to unknown destination.
