ASHENEWS reports that the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reassured students and management of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, of improved security on the university campus.
The Governor made this statement during a meeting with 29 students from the university who had been rescued after being abducted by attackers on May 9, 2024. The assailants had taken 31 students hostage.
In a move to restore confidence and demonstrate his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of students and educational institutions in the state, the Governor promised to complete the perimeter fencing of the university within 16 weeks and ensure full security surveillance of the campus, including round-the-clock emergency response capability by security agencies.
Governor Ododo stated that he would work with the university management to consistently review and improve the school’s security architecture in line with the state government’s safe school initiative.
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He emphasized that his administration is undeterred in its efforts to make education accessible to the young population of the state.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment throughout the state, vowing to defeat criminal elements wherever they are found.
He also promised to immortalize the two slain students of the university, James Anajuwe and Caleb Musa, who were killed by their abductors.
Additionally, he inspected the University Senate Building, new male and female hostel projects, and the University Demonstration Farms.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, commended the Governor for the decisive steps taken to rescue 29 of the 31 abducted students.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the two students who were killed and assured that the government would prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdulrahaman Salawu, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his fatherly role in the lives of the students since their abduction and after their release.
He also appreciated the Governor’s support for the families of the deceased students and promised the cooperation of the university management in ensuring the speedy development of the university.