Students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene in Kogi State, that were recently abducted have regained freedom.
The students were kidnapped Thursday night while reading in preparation of their first semester examination coming up this week when the kidnappers struck and whisked them away.
The information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo and police spokesman in the state, SP Williams Aya, all confirmed that the students, alongside others hostages, were freed Sunday afternoon.
According to Mr Fanwo, security agencies and local hunters teamed up to chase the kidnappers, some of who fled with gunshots wounds after a fierce gun battle,
The commissioner in a statement said the abductees, a local hunter and an operative of the State Security Service (SSS) who sustained injuries during the shootouts are receiving treatments at an undisclosed medical facility.
“We commend our local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry,” Mr Fanwo said in a statement. “Of special commendation is the DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation on the outlaws.
“The security agencies have once again demonstrated why Kogi State will remain an uncomfortable place for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
“The success recorded so far is a clear testament of the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure adequate and uncompromising security for the people of Kogi State.
“We urge residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.”
