Nigerian Army has handed eight students of Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, who were rescued on Sunday, over to Governor Ahmed Ododo, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The ceremony 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 occurred in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara State following an intense clearance mission.
He added that the operation was still ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.
In his remarks, Governor 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 in 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 known to be blessed with mineral deposits, and those deposits must work for the state.
He said the criminals had now known that Kogi was not a safe haven for them, assuring that no criminal that entered the state would be spared.
The governor commended the army for its efforts and professionalism in carrying out the rescue operation. (NAN)
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