Tragedy struck at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, as the police confirmed the killing of two abducted students by their captors. The State Police Commissioner, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, expressed his sadness over the incident, describing it as very unfortunate.
The abduction took place on May 9 when armed assailants stormed the school premises, shooting sporadically and taking several students captive. While security agencies were able to rescue 21 students with the help of local hunters, a few remained in the hands of the abductors.
Despite ongoing negotiations between the parents and the kidnappers for the release of the students, the abductors resorted to violence, leading to the tragic deaths of two students. The NGO, Education For All (E4A), condemned the killings, calling it a heinous act aimed at instilling fear in the education system.
The Publicity Secretary of E4A, Malam Nasir Ibrahim, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two students, identified as James Michael Anajuwe and Musa Hussein. He urged the Kogi government to collaborate with Kwara authorities to apprehend the perpetrators hiding in a forest near the border of both states.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for decisive action against those responsible for the senseless act. The community mourns the loss of these promising young students and demands justice for their untimely deaths.