The management of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi State has declared a three-day mourning period following the tragic murder of two students by kidnappers. The announcement was made by Ms. Olufunke Hudson, the university’s Registrar, in a statement released on Sunday.
The deceased students, James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, were first-year students studying Information Technology and Software Engineering, respectively. They were among a group of students kidnapped on May 9 while preparing for their examinations, scheduled to begin on May 13.
Efforts by security operatives and local hunters have successfully rescued twenty-one of the kidnapped students. However, the loss of Michael-Anajuwe and Hussein has left the university community in deep mourning.
“It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH mourns our beloved slain students,” stated Hudson. “Consequently, all activities in the university will be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”
The Registrar expressed the university management’s heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased students. She urged the parents, other family members, guardians, friends, and well-wishers to find solace in God during this difficult time.
Hudson also emphasized that the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining kidnapped students. “Governor Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the students are released safely,” she said. “We urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying.”
The university’s announcement has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by educational institutions in the region. The mourning period serves not only as a tribute to the lost lives but also as a call for continued efforts to improve security measures to protect students.
During the three-day mourning period, the university will hold various memorial activities to honor the memory of Michael-Anajuwe and Hussein. These activities will include prayer sessions, moments of silence, and a memorial service. The university community is encouraged to participate in these events to show solidarity and support for the grieving families.
As the university community grieves, the management is also focusing on providing support services to students affected by the incident. Counseling services and support groups have been set up to help students cope with the trauma and loss.
The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced security measures in and around educational institutions in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of government intervention and community vigilance in ensuring the safety of students and staff.
In the wake of this tragedy, CUSTECH is committed to working with state authorities and security agencies to prevent such incidents in the future. The university aims to create a safer environment where students can pursue their education without fear of violence or abduction.
