The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to rescue four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed the immediate deployment of a multi-agency security operation, coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the support of all security and intelligence agencies in the state.
The victims were identified as the school’s principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; NECO official, Mr. Solomon Audu; NECO candidate, Miss Dorcas Sunday; and another female candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
The government disclosed that five persons were initially kidnapped during the attack, but one victim has since been rescued. Security agencies have intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining four.
Personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja; the 21 Battalion, Anyigba; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Kogi State Vigilante Service; local hunters; and other security outfits have been deployed for the rescue operation.
The government also revealed that advanced technology is being used to support ongoing efforts, with authorities reporting encouraging progress.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
The government noted that the two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and that the examination arrangements did not conform to the security measures established by the state for the ongoing NECO examinations.
Despite the circumstances, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all residents and visitors, stressing that it would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those behind the abduction.
To avoid compromising the ongoing operation, the government said it would not release additional operational details. It also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The Kogi State Government reiterated its resolve to safeguard lives and property, assuring the public that security agencies would remain on the ground until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
