KOGI STATE, NIGERIA – In a devastating development, two students abducted from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi State have been tragically killed by their captors. The victims, identified as James Michael Anajuwe, a 100-level Information Technology student, and Musa Hussein, a 100-level Software Engineering student, were among those abducted when gunmen attacked the school on May 9, 2024.
Despite the efforts of security operatives and local hunters, who successfully rescued 20 of the abducted students, Anajuwe and Hussein met a tragic fate at the hands of the kidnappers. Reports suggest that their deaths may have been in retaliation for the killing of some of the kidnappers during the rescue mission.
The news has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with Education For All (E4A), a Non-Governmental Organisation, expressing profound sadness and calling the killings a reprehensible act. In a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by Nasir Ibrahim, the Publicity Secretary of E4A, the organisation denounced the violence and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.
E4A pointed out the need for swift and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators, believed to be hiding in a forested area near the border between Kogi and Kwara States. The organisation urged authorities to prioritize the safety of students and ensure that justice is served for Anajuwe, Hussein, and other victims of such atrocities.
As the nation deals with this tragic loss, E4A called for renewed efforts to enhance security measures in educational institutions across the country. The organisation stressed the importance of creating a safe and conducive environment for learning, where students can pursue their education without fear or intimidation.
E4A urged stakeholders to work together to prevent further tragedies and uphold the fundamental right to education for all.