On Thursday night, there was a tragic incident as bandits stormed the Confluence University of Science and Technology, CUSTEC, Osara, Okene in Kogi State, and abducted a number of students.
According to an eyewitness report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the bandits launched their attack around 9:00 pm while the students were engrossed in their exam preparations.
The eyewitness explained that the bandits entered the university premises through the bush, entered three lecture halls, and started firing shots into the air to create fear among the students.
They cornered the students inside the halls and initiated the abduction process, causing panic and chaos as students from other halls frantically sought safety in different directions.
The source mentioned that the timely response of local security guards and the university’s security personnel hindered the assailants from penetrating more than the initial three halls.
It was disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred as the students were gearing up for their first semester examinations scheduled to start on Monday, May 13.
One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, narrated how they sought refuge in the bush for over an hour until the situation calmed down.
Upon inquiry, CUSTEC’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, acknowledged the abduction incident but declined to provide specific details regarding the number of students taken.
“I refrain from discussing such incidents with the media, but rest assured, we are actively managing the situation,” Professor Asipita stated.
Attempts to contact Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, proved futile, while calls to the State Security Adviser, Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, went unanswered.