The Kogi State Confluence University of Science and Technology declared three days of mourning after two students were tragically killed. The university, in a statement issued by Registrar Olufunke Hudson on Sunday, expressed profound grief over the incident. Kidnappers abducted the students on May 9th and authorities found them dead on May 25th, 2024.
The university’s statement highlighted the sorrow felt by the institution over the loss of their students. James Michael Anajuwe, a 100-level Information Technology student, and Musa Hussein, a 100-level Software Engineering student, were the victims.
The kidnappers had abducted several students during a tutorial class in preparation for their first semester examinations. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing insecurity affecting educational institutions in Nigeria.
Efforts by security agencies to rescue the students were partially successful. By May 17th, security agencies rescued 21 students during a gun duel with the kidnappers. Despite these efforts, the fate of the remaining students remained uncertain. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, deployed a police helicopter to assist in the rescue operations, demonstrating high concern. This action highlighted the lengths taken to secure the students’ release and underscored the urgent efforts to address the situation.
In response to the tragic deaths, the non-governmental organisation Education for All condemned the killings and subsequently called for collective action against attacks on educational institutions. Additionally, the NGO’s Publicity Secretary, Nasir Ibrahim, expressed sorrow over the loss and urged the Kogi State Government to collaborate with neighbouring Kwara State to bring the perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, reports indicate that kidnappers killed the students at a hideout in Kwara State, highlighting the regional nature of the security challenges.
Bertrand Onuoha, the Kogi SBertrand Onuoha, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, confirmed the tragic news, describing the killings as deeply distressing. Furthermore, echoing this sentiment, the NGO urged the National Security Adviser to join forces with the Federal Ministry of Education to improve school safety nationwide. Consequently, this call to action emphasises the urgent need for strong measures to protect students and ensure that educational environments remain secure.
The tragic loss of these students starkly reminds young Nigerians of the dangers they face while pursuing education. As the university mourns, the broader community must support efforts to combat insecurity and prevent such tragedies from recurring. This incident calls for immediate and sustained action to protect the nation’s educational institutions and their students.
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