Suspected gunmen, believed to be bandits, launched an attack on Thursday night at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Osara, Okene, Kogi State. Reports indicate that the assailants raided the university premises around 9:00 p.m., targeting students who were studying for their upcoming exams.
According to a source who spoke with NAN, the bandits entered the university through the bush and proceeded to three lecture halls where students were gathered. The attackers allegedly fired shots into the air, causing panic and chaos among the students.
“They trapped the students inside the halls and started taking them; the school was thrown into total confusion as fear-stricken students in other halls scurried to safety, scampering in various directions,” the source revealed.
Although local security guards and conventional security personnel engaged the bandits, some students had already been abducted by the time they intervened. Fortunately, their swift action prevented further harm as the attackers did not proceed beyond the initial three halls.
The incident occurred as students were preparing for their first-semester examinations, scheduled to commence on Monday, May 13. In the wake of the attack, some students sought refuge in nearby bushes, hiding for over an hour until it was safe to emerge.
While confirming the incident, CUSTEC Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita, declined to disclose the exact number of students abducted. However, he assured that the school management is managing the situation and promised to provide further updates to the public soon.
“I don’t talk to journalists on incidents like this, but I want you to know that we are on top of the situation,” Prof. Asipita stated.
The abduction of students from CUSTEC underscores the ongoing security challenges facing educational institutions in Nigeria, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect students and staff.
