CUSTECH declares three-day mourning over death of abducted students

The management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, CUSTECH, in Kogi State, has declared a three-day mourning period following the death of two students by kidnappers.

Ms Olufunke Hudson, the CUSTECH Registrar, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, first-year students of Information Technology and Software Engineering, were among the university students kidnapped on May 9.

They were abducted while studying for exams scheduled to begin on May 13.

Twenty-one students have been rescued thanks to the efforts of security officers and local hunters.

Hudson said: “It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH is mourning our beloved slain students.

“Consequently, all activities in the university are to be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”

According to the registrar, the university management shared in the grief of the families and colleagues of the deceased students, urging the parents, other family members, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the deceased students to take solace in God.

She also said that the state government was intensifying efforts to ensure safe rescue of the remaining students from their abductors.

“Gov. Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the students are released safely.

“We, therefore, urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying,” she added.