KONGONET Condemns Abduction of CUSTECH Students, Sympathizes with Families
By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick
KOGI NGOs Network (KONGONET), a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, has condemned in strong terms, the Thursday night abduction of students from the Kogi State owned Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.
In a statement signed by Chairperson of the network, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, KONGONET described the abduction as a heinous act and expressed deepest concern over the safety and well-being of the abducted students.
He expressed the Network’s sympathy with families and friends of the students saying that they stand in solidarity with the families.
“We strongly condemn this heinous act and express our deepest concern for the safety and well-being of the abducted individuals”, he said.
The Network also decried the recent spate of attacks by unknown hoodlums in the state saying that the CUSTECH invasion was one too many as the bloody attack by gunmen at Agojeju-Odo community a few weeks ago remains very fresh.
“This is becoming worrisome and calls to question the security plans of the State Government especially now that there are calls for State Police.
“It is disheartening and deeply troubling that such incidents of insecurity continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of our citizens, particularly the youth who are the future of our nation.
“The abduction of these students is not only a violation of their rights but also an attack on our collective sense of security and peace.
“In light of this unfortunate event, we call upon the relevant security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources and efforts to ensure the safe and swift return of the kidnapped CUSTECH students to their families.
“We urge the security operatives to intensify their rescue operations and work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
“There is a need for the State Government to put in place adequate and functional security architecture to provide 24 hours security services in the institution.
This is in consideration of the location of the University and the porous nature of the environment and by extension the state in general.
“Let us all join hands in solidarity and unity to combat the scourge of insecurity in our communities and work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all”, Muraina said.
