Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, has strongly denounced the abduction of students at the Confluence University of Science and Technology.
In a statement released on Friday by Isaiah Davies Ijele, the Director of New Media for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Ajaka labeled the assault on the university as barbaric, cruel, and deeply regrettable.
He said: “The incident yet again in Kogi State, is a pointer to the failure of policing. The outlived Kogi State commissioner of Police Mr Bethrand Onouha has failed to secure the State yet again.
“It is heartbreaking that some students who were gathered for tutorials ahead of their First Semester Examinations scheduled to commence on Monday, the 13th of May, 2024 could be abducted. He described the unfortunate act as inhumane and unfair to the young students.
“It is also worrisome that at this moment, the state government is yet to make public the actual number of students abducted. Sources within the school claimed over 40 students were abducted while the state government is saying otherwise. The public and the parents of the students have the right to know the true picture of things. We are warning against any cover up”.
He called on the Kogi Sttate Government to deploy all state security apparatus at its disposal to secure the return of the students to their parents and loved ones.
“It is important for the state government under Usman Ododo to prioritize the safe return of the students and enhance security in the state and the University. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to this unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
