The Kogi State Police Command has reported the successful rescue of seven additional abducted students, from Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, who were held in the bush by assailants.
SP Williams Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday, providing an update on the ongoing rescue operation.
Out of the 24 students initially abducted, the authorities confirmed that 14 had already been rescued before this latest development.
Aya highlighted the efforts made by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who deployed the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus, including a helicopter crew trained for aerial surveillance, monitoring team, and Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), to intensify the rescue operation and counter the criminal elements in the state.
Aya stated “The diligence and indomitable spirit of the combined team led to the rescue of an additional seven (7) victims, bringing the total to 21. Emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to ensure the safe rescue of all the abducted students and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
The state Commissioner of Police, Benthrad Onuoha, expressed appreciation for the comprehensive deployment of security personnel and resources by the IGP, acknowledging the positive impact on the ongoing operations.
Amid these developments, unconfirmed reports emerged suggesting that the commander of the bandits responsible for the institution’s invasion was killed in a confrontation with security forces in the bush on Wednesday.
A viral video circulated, purportedly showing the alleged commander, dressed in military camouflage, tied to a stick and paraded before security operatives for identification.
However, the state police command refrained from confirming the reported killing of the bandits’ commander, maintaining a cautious stance pending further verification.
