In a brazen attack on Thursday night, bandits stormed the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, Kogi State, abducting several students.
The incident occurred around 9 pm while students were studying for upcoming exams.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, entering through the bush, unleashed chaos by firing shots into the air, trapping students inside three lecture halls. Despite efforts from local and conventional security personnel, the bandits managed to abduct students before being engaged.
The university, preparing for first-semester exams set to begin on May 13th, was thrown into disarray as fear-stricken students sought refuge. One student, speaking anonymously, revealed hiding in the bush for over an hour before feeling safe to emerge.
Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, Vice Chancellor of CUSTEC, confirmed the incident but declined to disclose the number of abducted students, stating they were handling the situation. Efforts to reach the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser, were unsuccessful.
This abduction underscores the alarming trend of ransom-driven kidnappings across Nigeria. In February, gunmen abducted nine travelers along the Kabba/Obajana/Lokoja Road in Kogi State, highlighting the pervasive threat of insecurity in the region.
