Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, had visited the institution
and assured parents of his commitment to rescue the students.
Ododo had also said closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras
installed in the school were switched off on the night of the attack.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kingsley Fanwo, information
commissioner, said some of the students have been rescued by a joint team of
security operatives and hunters.
Fanwo did not release the specific number of students
rescued.
William Aya, police spokesperson in Kogi, did not take calls
or respond to messages on the development.
“This is to inform the general public that some of the
students abducted by gunmen at the Confluence University of Science and
Technology, Osara have been rescued safely by local hunters and other security
agents,” the statement reads.
“Local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers
in a fierce shootout and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and
escaped with gun wounds, leaving the kidnapped students who also ran in
different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange.
“Many of the students
kidnapped and even other people in captivity have been rescued and taken to
medical facilities for proper attention, while many others were also rescued in
the early hours of today.”
He said a hunter and DSS operative sustained injuries during
the firefight with the kidnappers, adding that they are receiving medical
attention.
Fanwo said security agents are “currently combing the
forests” to rescue the remaining students in captivity.
