Nigerian Army Hands Over Rescued Kogi Students to Governor Ododo
On Monday, the Nigerian Army officially transferred eight rescued students from Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, to Governor Ahmed Ododo. This ceremony took place at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, following their rescue on Sunday.
Out of the 31 students who were kidnapped, 29 were successfully saved. Major General Emmanuel Emekah, Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), conducted the handover on behalf of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Emekah praised the joint efforts of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies in rescuing the students from terrorists. The rescue operation was executed during a comprehensive clearance mission in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara State.
He further mentioned that efforts to capture and bring the perpetrators to justice are ongoing.
Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude for the safe return of the students, though he mourned the loss of two abducted students. He commended President Bola Tinubu and the military for their dedication to improving national security.
Additionally, Governor Ododo thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA) for enhancing the country’s security infrastructure, making it more effective, efficient, and technologically advanced.
Governor Ododo remarked, “The Nigerian army has demonstrated it has the capacity to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminal activities. The level of synergy, understanding, collaboration, and professional conduct among the security agencies is highly commendable. I deeply appreciate your efforts and those of your men.”
He pledged that Kogi State would always be ready to cooperate with the military and other security agencies to combat crime. He affirmed, “We are equipped and committed to collaborating to ensure our land is free from criminal activities.”
The Governor also assured the students of his government’s continued support in their educational and personal pursuits. He emphasized Kogi’s rich mineral resources, stating that these resources must benefit the state.
Governor Ododo concluded by asserting that criminals now know Kogi is not a safe haven, and assured that any criminal entering the state would face justice.
