CUSTECH Kidnapping: Additional seven students rescued

Seven students from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, who were kidnapped, have been rescued by security operatives, bringing the total number of students rescued to 21.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah, it was noted that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed a police helicopter to Kogi State for the operation.

The press statement read as follows: “In furtherance of the ongoing rescue operation and to sustain the onslaught, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on Tuesday 14/05/2024 deployed the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus, which includes a helicopter crew specially trained for aerial surveillance, a monitoring team, as well as the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), to Kogi State. This reinforcement is in response to the IGP’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, especially the safety of our children in various schools across the country.

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“The diligence and indomitable spirit of the combined team led to the rescue of an additional seven victims, bringing the total to twenty-one. It should be noted that ‘it is not over until it is over,’ so we should not rest on our laurels. Instead, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all victims are safely rescued and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The Kogi State Government, as well as the university community, are satisfied with the rescue operations so far and commend the undeniable and unassailable level of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among the security agencies, local vigilantes, and hunters in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police uses this medium to thank and appreciate the Inspector-General of Police for the deployment of the Air Component, the security personnel, and vigilantes/hunters for their unprecedented and undiluted patriotism and altruism. He also thanks the good people of Kogi State and the vibrant press for their show of concern and empathy.

“The CP continues to solicit the cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity of the good people of Confluence State with the police and other security agencies because together, we shall ensure adequate security of the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in the state.”