Kogi Government Rescues Remaining Eight Kidnapped CUSTECH Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Safety

The Kogi Government has announced the successful rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara. Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, made the announcement on Sunday in Lokoja.

Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed full support for the recovery and well-being of the students and their parents, while efforts are underway to enhance security across Kogi State. "The government expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students," Fanwo stated.

The governor also extended his thanks to the National Security Adviser for his commitment to the students' release and the overall security of the state. "We thank all Security Chiefs, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police, all officers and men of the Armed Forces, including the Pilots, who supported us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families," Fanwo added.

Fanwo also expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara State for his personal commitment and cooperation, which played a crucial role in the success of the rescue operation. "The Kwara governor showed effective leadership within the Nigerian Governors Forum, reinforcing Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose," he said.

Governor Ododo's administration remains dedicated to enhancing security measures, particularly through the Safe School Initiative, to ensure the safety and education of children in Kogi State. "As the State with the lowest out-of-school children in the North, we have implemented structures to keep our schools safe and ensure every child receives their right to education," Fanwo emphasized.

Kogi has domesticated the Child Rights Act, providing free education up to the secondary school level and covering registration fees for all internal and external examinations. This commitment is backed by a budgetary allocation that exceeds the UNESCO benchmark for education.

Fanwo urged citizens to assist security agencies by volunteering intelligence to help prevent crime. "All of us must come together to defeat banditry, kidnapping, and any form of criminality in our society," he concluded.