The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has disclosed that Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, had earlier been closed by the state government due to its remote location and persistent security threats.
He made this known on Friday while speaking with journalists while handing over the four rescued victims to Kogi state government at Goverment House Lokoja.
Despite the closure, the police said the abandoned premises were allegedly converted into a special examination centre where 10 candidates reportedly sat for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.
Kankarofi further alleged that certain individuals facilitated the use of the deserted school for the examination, adding that the centre had gained notoriety for alleged examination malpractice.
He said investigations into the incident were ongoing, warning that anyone found culpable, regardless of position or influence, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner emphasized that public examinations must only take place in officially approved and adequately secured centres, stressing that authorities would not condone any arrangement that exposes candidates, examination officials or the public to danger.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for providing the operational support that aided the rescue mission, while also appreciating Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support to security agencies in the state.
Kankarofi also lauded the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes, hunters and other members of the joint security task force for their roles in the successful rescue operation.
Reaffirming the commitment of security agencies to safeguarding lives and property, the police commissioner said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend every individual connected with the abduction.
He urged examination bodies, school administrators and members of the public to support the investigation by providing useful information that would assist security agencies in combating criminal activities across the state.
