Some of the kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi, have regained their freedom, the state government said.

A statement by the state commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the rescue operation was carried out hours after Governor Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to ensuring the release of the students who were kidnapped on Thursday.

According to Mr Fanwo, the students regained their freedom after hunters and other security agencies engaged the kidnappers in battle, making the students flee in different directions. 

“This is to inform the general public that some of the students abducted by gunmen at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, have been rescued safely by local hunters and other security agents, hours after the executive governor of the state, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to rescuing the students,” said Mr Fanwo.

“He added, “Many of the students kidnapped and even other people in captivity have been rescued and taken to medical facilities for proper attention, while many others were also rescued in the early hours of today.”

However, he did not state how many students regained their freedom.

Mr Fanwo said several kidnappers escaped with gunshot injuries. A local hunter and an operative of the State Security Service (SSS) were also wounded in the gun battle, as efforts to rescue others are still ongoing.

“In the sporadic gun battle to rescue our dear students, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries, and they are currently receiving medical attention,” it said.

While commending the hunters and security agents for their bravery, Mr Fanwo appreciated the “DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation with the outlaws.”

He stated that the security agencies’ efforts demonstrated why the state would remain uncomfortable for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The commissioner said, “The success recorded so far is a clear testament of the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure adequate and uncompromising security for the people of Kogi State.”

Mr Fanwo further appealed to residents to report persons with gunshot wounds to security operatives.