By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government has announced the rescue of six more students abducted from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, bringing the number of rescued students rescued to 20.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, who announced this on Tuesday in Lokoja said that government data on the attack and kidnap revealed that four students are yet to be found.
He said the fierce gun battle between security agents and the kidnappers forced the kidnappers to succumb to superior firepower and abandon the kidnapped students adding that some of the kidnappers escaped with severe injuries.
According to the Commissioner, the six rescued students along with the 14 others earlier rescued have been reunited with their families after medical examination.
Fanwo said that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed deep appreciation to the Joint Forces that carried out the operations and urged them to continue the search until the last student is found.
The Commissioner assured the general public that the security architecture around schools in the state has been recalibrated for efficiency and early warning alarm to prevent future occurrence.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Police Command has said that the joint security operatives are currently combing the bushes to rescue the remaining victims and as well, apprehend the culprits and bring them to deserved justice.
A statement from the Police Command said that the joint Tactical Team comprised the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Quick Response Unit, Intelligence Unit alongside men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja; DSS; Hunters and local Vigilantes.
The statement which was signed by SP William Ovye Aya said the unwavering efforts of the Security Team led to the rescue of the 14 victims in the bush near Obajana.
It further said that one of the rescued female victims revealed that a total of 24 students were abducted on the fateful night of Thursday, May 9, adding that others were herded away during the exchange of gun-fire with the Security Team.
The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha assured that the Police and its sister security agencies were leaving no stone unturned saying all hands are on deck to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining Students.
The CP appealed to Kogi State residents for their continued collaboration and cooperation with the Police and other Security Agencies in the bid to ensure adequate security of life and property in the State. (Ends)