Bandits attacked the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Osara, Okene, Kogi State, on Thursday night, abducting several students. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. while students were studying for upcoming exams.
According to an eyewitness, the bandits entered the university through the bush and fired shots into the air to intimidate the students. They targeted three lecture halls, trapping students inside before taking them away. The quick response of local and conventional security guards limited the damage, preventing the bandits from entering other halls.
The students, who were preparing for their first-semester exams scheduled to start on Monday, May 13, fled to safety, with some hiding in the bush for over an hour until the area was quiet.
When contacted, the CUSTEC Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, confirmed the incident but did not disclose the number of students abducted. He assured that the university is handling the situation.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and the State Security Adviser, Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, for comments were unsuccessful. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area and the safety of students in the region.
