At least 14 of the abducted students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, in Kogi State, have been rescued.
The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday, confirmed the rescue of some of the students without revealing the actual number of the freed students.
Fanwo, in the statement, said the students were rescued safely by local hunters and other security agents.
“The local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout, and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gun wounds.” He said.
Fanwo said that security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure all the students still in captivity are found and brought home safely.
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He also confirmed that during the sporadic gun battle, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries, but they are currently receiving medical attention.
The statement was read in part. “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.
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“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 urge residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.”
While the statement was silent on the actual number of rescued students, spokespersons of the police command in Kogi State, SP Williams Aya, told Channels TV that 14 students were rescued.
Aya explained that the kidnappers left the troubled students, who also ran in different directions to avoid being caught in the fire exchange.
He added that the rescued students and many other kidnapped victims have been taken to a medical facility for proper attention.