Bandits attack Kogi varsity, CUSTEC, kidnap many students
Bandits have invaded the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), Osara, Okene in Kogi, and abducted scores of students.
Neptune Prime gathered that the terrorists attacked the institution on Thursday night, 9th- May- 2024 at around 9:0pm.
An eyewitness told News Agency of Nigeria that the bandits came in through the bush, shooting the air as they moved from one lecture hall to the other while students were reading for the forthcoming examination, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, 13th- May-2024.
The source stated that, “They trapped the students inside the halls and started taking them; the school was thrown into total confusion as fear-stricken students in other halls scurried to safety, scampering in various directions.”
“By the time local security guards and the conventional security men at the gate engaged the bandits, they had already succeeded in abducting some students. But the efforts minimised the damage as the attackers didn’t go beyond the first three halls.”
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A student, who pleaded anonymity, said that he and some colleagues ran to the bush and hid there for “more than an hour”.
“We only ventured out when everywhere became quiet,” he said.
Contacted, Professor Abdulraman Asipita, the Vice Chancellor of CUSTEC, verified the incident but declined to state the specific number of students abducted by the bandits.
“I don’t talk to journalists on incidents like this, but I want you to know that we are on top of the situation,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, were not successful.
Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser, could equally not be reached for comments as calls to his line were not picked as of press time.
