Muhammad Bashir 
Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that no fewer than fourteen kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Kogi State have been rescued.
Sunday Telegraph had earlier reported that gunmen, suspected to be bandit on Thursday evening attacked the University and kidnapped many students.
The Police Spokesman SP William Aya, who confirmed the development, said the rescued mission was based on the combined efforts of the security agencies in the state.
Correspondingly, the Kogi State Government equally confirmed that some kidnapped students of the University were rescued by a combined team of local hunters and other security agents on Saturday shortly after the visit of the governor to the institution.
The state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kinsley Fanwo said local vigilante, hunters and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun shootout.
The statement, however, stressed that the kidnappers eventually succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gun wounds, leaving the kidnapped students who also ran in different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange.
“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 (Sunday).”
*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.”
Fanwo, in the statement added that Security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.
“We commend our local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry. Of special commendation is the DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation on the outlaws.
“The security agencies have once again demonstrated why Kogi State will remain an uncomfortable place for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.”
“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.
“We urged residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents,” the statement added.
