File photo: The main entrance of the Confluence University in Kogi State
Bandits have abducted some students from Confluence University of Science and Technology, CUSTEC, Osara, Okene, Kogi State.
A person present during the incident reported to the News Agency of Nigeria that the bandits arrived at the university around 9:00 pm as students were studying for their forthcoming exams.
The bandits, emerging from the surrounding bush, directly targeted the lecture halls while shooting, the eyewitness recounted.
"The assailants cornered the students in the halls and began abducting them, causing widespread panic. Students in other halls fled in terror, seeking safety in all directions.
"Local security and gate personnel engaged the bandits, but not before they had kidnapped some students. Their intervention, however, prevented the bandits from advancing beyond the first three halls," the informant disclosed.
The source added that the students were in the midst of exam preparations for tests scheduled to start on Monday, May 13, when the attack occurred.
One student, requesting to remain unnamed, shared that he and others escaped to the bush, hiding for over an hour.
"We emerged only after the surroundings had quieted down," he mentioned.
CUSTEC's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, acknowledged the event but declined to specify the number of students taken.
"I generally avoid discussing such matters with the press, but rest assured, we are handling the situation," he stated.
