Police, Vigilantes, Soldiers Rescue More Abducted Kogi Varsity Students In Kwara

Ilorin, Kwara State– Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, in conjunction with Nigerian soldiers and local vigilantes, have rescued the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH).

It would be recalled that on 9th May, 2024 some suspected armed gunmen invaded the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara in Kogi State and abducted scores of students.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 2, 2024, by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that the combined efforts of the Police, the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Military, and Local Vigilantes, led to the successful rescue of 8 students, 5 female and 3 male students.

The rescued students were identified as Anate Hanifat Oyiza, Damisa Rasidat Omotere, Ahmed Tijani Fatimah, Obakachi Mashkurah Onyioyiza, Oloruntoba Blessing Kemisola, Omojo Godwin, Abdulrafiu Abdulmakik Enesi, and Musa Oseni.

The statement read; “The swift response of Tactical teams from Kogi State Police command and other security operatives led to the successful rescue of 21 students who have since been reunited with their families.

She said the gunmen further made their way into kwara state with the remainder of the students taken into captivity; roaming kwara forest with the abductees.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Victor Olaiya, psc (+) acted promptly, mobilized tactical teams from the Command alongside tactical teams from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Police Hi-Tech Intelligence assets, the Military and Local Vigilantes in a bid to rescue the victims.

“In addition, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM whose unwavering commitment to protect the lives and properties of citizens of the country especially school children remains a top priority, deployed the Air Wing Crew to conduct aerial surveillance with the aid of a helicopter.

“The Police Air wing has been assiduously monitoring the forest around Ifelodun L.G.A where these criminals stationed for several days rendering the abductors incapacitated.

She added that the  students were rescued and taken to the Divisional Police Headquarters Oro-Ago in Kwara State in preparation for their onward movement to receive medical attention at the State capital Ilorin.

“However on arrival at the station, the students appeared weak and in dirty clothings. Police operatives provided presentable clothes and breakfast. While making preparations for their onward movement to Ilorin, soldiers on convoy patrol with three operational vehicles stormed Oro Ago police station, over powered the police operatives and forcefully took custody of the rescued students without proper handing over.

“This act is disrespectful to the force; totally unacceptable. The behavior of the soldiers is likened to act(s) unbecoming of an officer. And necessary actions will be taken to report their conduct to the higher authority.”

The image maker further explained that operation is ongoing on land and air to smoke out the remnants of the deadly criminals who may still be hibernating in Kwara forest.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya psc (+) appreciates the IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD NPM for swift and timely intervention and all other security operatives who have worked tirelessly to see to the successful rescue of the students.

He further urged members of the public to always be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activities of persons in time to forestall any untoward incident.

The CP assures the good people of Kwara that he will not relent in getting rid of criminal elements from the State and has promised to emplace maximum security to protect the lives and properties of it’s citizens.