The Nigerian Army on Monday handed over eight students of Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, who were rescued on Sunday, to Gov. Ahmed Ododo, at Army Headquarters Abuja.
The handing over was conducted by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Emekah said the troops of the Nigerian Army in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, successfully rescued the abducted students who were taken hostage by terrorists.
He said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara following an intense clearance mission.
He added that the operation was still ongoing to apprehended the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo thanked God Almighty for making it possible for the rescue of the students, adding that it was a mixed feeling for him as two of the 31 abducted students were murdered.
Ododo said that 29 of the students were successfully rescued while appreciating the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the military for the fight against insecurity in the country.
He also thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA) for making the country’s security apparatus more effective, efficient and technology driven.
“At this level, I have come to realise that the Nigerian army has all it takes to stamp out kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminal activities from our land.
“Because the level of synergy, the level of understanding, collaboration and coordination carried out by them professionally is highly commendable and I sincerely appreciate you and your men.
“I want to promise that Kogi State will always be there to partner with you and we are ever ready to answer your call at any point in time and fighting crimes and criminality in our land.
“We have all it takes in terms of equipment and we will continue to collaborate and synergise with your agencies to make sure our land is free of all these criminalities,” he said.
Ododo assured the student that the government would continue to support them to ensure that they succeed in their aspiration and educational pursuits.
According to him, Kogi is a state that is well known to be well blessed with mineral deposits and that deposit must work for the state.
He said the criminals had now known that Kogi was not a safe heaven for them, assuring that no criminal that entered the state would be spared.
The governor commended the army for its efforts and display of professionalism in carrying out the rescue operation. (NAN)