Bandits Storm Kogi University Lecture Halls, Abduct Students

Bandits staged a late-night attack on Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), located in Osara, Okene, Kogi State, resulting in the abduction of several students.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants descended upon the university premises around 9:00 pm, catching students off guard as they studied for upcoming exams. Penetrating the campus through the surrounding bush, the bandits entered three lecture halls, firing shots into the air to intimidate the students. This tactic caused panic and chaos, with students fleeing for safety in various directions.

Despite efforts by local security guards and campus authorities, the bandits managed to abduct some students before being confronted. Fortunately, their advance was halted, preventing further harm as they did not proceed beyond the initial three halls. The attack disrupted preparations for the impending first semester exams scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13.

Desperate to escape, one student, speaking anonymously, revealed hiding in the bush with colleagues for over an hour until the situation calmed. While confirming the incident, CUSTEC Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, declined to disclose the exact number of abducted students, emphasizing that measures were being taken to address the situation.

Attempts to reach Kogi’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and State Security Adviser, Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, for further information were unsuccessful, leaving the community anxious for updates amidst the ongoing crisis.