The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of two students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, who were abducted earlier this month. The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, described the killings as "very unfortunate" and assured that security operatives are actively pursuing the abductors.
On May 9, around 9:00 p.m., armed assailants invaded the university while students were preparing for their examinations scheduled for May 13. The kidnappers fired shots into the air, creating chaos and abducting several students. While 21 students have been rescued through the combined efforts of security agencies and local hunters, some students remained in captivity.
CUSTECH’s management has declared a three-day mourning period in response to the tragic deaths of James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, both first-year students in Information Technology and Software Engineering. The university’s Registrar, Ms. Olufunke Hudson, expressed the institution's deep sorrow and announced that all activities would be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 to honor the deceased students.
Hudson conveyed condolences to the families and friends of the victims, urging them to find solace in God. She also mentioned that the state government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining students.
In a related development, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Education For All (E4A) condemned the killing of the students despite ongoing ransom negotiations with their parents. Malam Nasir Ibrahim, the NGO’s Publicity Secretary, described the incident as "the height of callousness," noting that the kidnappers seem intent on deterring young people from pursuing education.
Ibrahim called for a collective response to protect educational institutions and urged the Kogi government to collaborate with Kwara State to take decisive action against the perpetrators. He also stressed the need for the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen the Safe School Initiative to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"The painful loss of these students should provoke immediate action to ensure the safety of schools nationwide," Ibrahim said. "Our nation must rise to the occasion to address the rising insecurity across the country."
