The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a brazen attack by gunmen on Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in the Dekina Local Government Area of the state. The assault occurred on Tuesday, July 14, at approximately 5:25 p.m., while the school was conducting the National Examination Council (NECO) exercise. During the attack, four students, the school principal, and an ad hoc staff member of NECO were abducted.
Police Confirm Abduction Details
The confirmation came in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat. According to the statement, the incident took place on Tuesday, July 14, at around 5:25 p.m. The police are currently investigating the matter and have launched a search operation to rescue the victims.
ASP Afusat stated: "The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the attack on Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina LGA. Four students, the principal, and a NECO ad hoc staff were abducted. We are working with other security agencies to ensure their safe return."
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
The police have deployed tactical teams to the area and are collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to track down the perpetrators. The abduction has sparked fear among parents and residents, as the school had been conducting the NECO examination, a critical assessment for senior secondary students.
The attack highlights the persistent security challenges in Kogi State, particularly in rural areas where schools are vulnerable to banditry and kidnapping. The state government has yet to issue an official statement, but the police have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the victims unharmed.
Broader Security Concerns
This incident adds to a growing list of school abductions in Nigeria, raising concerns about the safety of educational institutions. In recent years, similar attacks have occurred in other states, leading to widespread calls for improved security measures. The Kogi State Police Command urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of the victims or the attackers to come forward.
