Fourteen students from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, in Kogi State who bandits kidnaped on Thursday night, have been rescued. The Commissioner of Police in the North-central State, Bethrand Onuoha, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lokoja.

The students were taken while preparing for their first-semester examination scheduled to begin on May 13th, after the bandits invaded the institution. A joint team of security operatives, including local hunters, pursued the bandits and successfully rescued the 14 students. However, one of the rescued students informed authorities that a total of 24 students had been captured.

Onuoha emphasized the commitment of security agencies to rescue the remaining students unharmed. Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information, confirmed the rescue and assured that the rescued students were receiving necessary care.

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The rescue operation occurred shortly after Governor Usman Ododo visited the institution and pledged to secure the release of all abducted individuals. Local vigilantes and security forces engaged the kidnappers in a fierce confrontation, leading to the dispersal of the criminals and the students escaping in different directions.

Efforts are underway to locate and rescue the remaining kidnapped students, with some already found and receiving medical attention. Unfortunately, during the rescue operation, a local hunter and a security operative sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Onuoha commended the bravery and dedication of the local hunters and security forces involved in the rescue operation. He also urged residents to report anyone with gunshot wounds to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.