Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s policy of refusing to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, declaring that security agencies will continue pursuing those responsible for the abduction of four victims from Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Dekina Local Government Area until they are brought to justice.
The governor made the declaration on Friday in Lokoja while receiving the four rescued victims, who regained their freedom following a coordinated operation by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Expressing gratitude for the successful rescue, Ododo stressed that the operation was far from over, insisting that every member of the criminal gang involved in the attack must be arrested and prosecuted.
“We are grateful to God that all the victims were rescued alive, but the operation is not over. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” the governor said.
He reiterated that the state government would not encourage criminality by paying ransom or entering into negotiations with kidnappers.
“There is no room for ransom or negotiation with criminals in Kogi State. Our approach remains to strengthen security operations, protect lives and ensure those who commit crimes are apprehended and prosecuted,” he added.
On the controversy surrounding the use of the abandoned Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, as a centre for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, the governor said the state government would await the outcome of the police investigation before taking any decision.
According to him, preliminary reports have raised questions over how the abandoned school was used for the examination, but the government would allow security agencies to complete their investigation and establish the facts.
“The police are already investigating the circumstances that led to the use of the facility. We will wait for the outcome of that investigation before taking appropriate decisions,” he stated.
Ododo also suggested that the kidnappers may have received support from within the local community, noting that criminal activities often thrive with insider collaboration.
“We cannot rule out local collaboration. Criminals do not operate in isolation. Anyone found to have assisted them in whatever form will equally face the law,” he warned.
The governor commended the Kogi State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and hunters for working together to secure the victims’ release without loss of life.
He assured residents that his administration would continue investing in security and supporting security agencies to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state.
Ododo further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, describing community cooperation as essential in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
