Nigerian University Rocked by Kidnapping of 24 Students
Authorities in Nigeria’s Kogi State have confirmed that 24 students were abducted from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) by armed gunmen on Thursday, May 9th, Anadolu Agency reported today.
The attack occurred during a raid on the university’s classrooms in the Osara area, the source mentioned.
Initially, the state government had reported only 9 students kidnapped, but further investigation revealed the actual number was 24.
On Sunday, police announced that 15 of the abducted students had been rescued after a confrontation between security forces and the armed gang. However, 9 students remain in the captors’ hands.
Kidnappings of students from academic institutions have become a disturbing pattern across Nigeria. Terrorist groups, bandits, and other armed gangs frequently target schools and universities, abducting students for ransom or other nefarious purposes.
The Kogi State government has condemned the attack and vowed to work with police to secure the release of the remaining 9 students. Authorities are actively pursuing the kidnappers in an effort to bring all the students home safely.