Security agencies in Kogi State have launched a large-scale manhunt after gunmen abducted a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and students during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area.
The Kogi State Police Command said the attackers stormed the Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, where NECO examinations were taking place, abducting five people, including four students, the school principal and an ad hoc NECO staff member.
Police spokesperson SP Saliu Afusat said security operatives immediately began a joint search-and-rescue mission following the attack.
“A combined team of the Police and other security agencies immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and is currently on the trail of the assailants,” Afusat said.
He confirmed that one of the abducted students had been rescued, while efforts were continuing to free the remaining victims and arrest those responsible.
“So far, one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he added.
Afusat also said the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, alongside other top security officials, was travelling to the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government said Governor Usman Ododo had ordered a “massive multi-agency security operation” to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.
Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo said the operation was being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, with the participation of the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security agencies.
“Advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and encouraging progress is being recorded,” Fanwo said.
The government identified the abducted victims as the principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; NECO official Mr Solomon Audu; NECO candidate Miss Dorcas Sunday; and another female candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname has yet to be confirmed.
According to the government, five people were initially kidnapped, but one victim has since been rescued, leaving four still in captivity.
Fanwo said preliminary investigations suggested the examination centre, located in a remote area, was allegedly operating as a “miracle centre” for external candidates and did not comply with the state’s security arrangements for the ongoing NECO examinations.
The state government pledged to do everything possible to rescue the remaining victims and bring the attackers to justice.
It also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to support security agencies by providing credible information while avoiding actions that could jeopardise the ongoing rescue operation.
