By Felix Khanoba
The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reassured students and management of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara of improved security on the institution’s campus.
The Governor stated this during a meeting with 29 students from the university who had been rescued after being abducted by attackers who stormed the campus on May 9, 2024, and took 31 students hostage.
This is contained in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, on Wednesday.
The statement said in a move to restore confidence and demonstrate the commitment of his administration 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 with the capacity for round-the clock emergency response by security agencies.
Governor Ododo said he would work with the management of the university to consistently review the security architecture of the school and make improvements where necessary in line with the safe school initiative of the state government, stressing that nothing will deter his administration from making education accessible to the teeming population of young people in the state.
Speaking further, the governor restated his commitment to a safe learning environment in all parts of the state adding that no effort will be spared to defeat criminal elements wherever they are found in the state.
Ododo, who promised to immortalize two slain students of the university, James Anajuwe and Caleb Musa who were killed by their abductors also inspected the University Senate Building, new male and female hostel projects and the University Demonstration Farms.
In his remark, the state commissioner for education, Honourable 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, James Anajuwe and Caleb Musa who were killed by the abductors before the completion of the rescue operation in June, assuring that the government will prevent a repeat of the unfortunate incidence in the university.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdulrahaman Salawu expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for the fatherly role he has continued to play in the lives of the students since their abduction and after their release from captivity as well as his support for the families of the deceased students.
He promised the cooperation of the university management with the administration of Governor Ododo to ensure speedy development of the university.
