The Kogi State Government has launched a multi-agency security operation to rescue four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Government mobilises security forces
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the operation in a statement on Wednesday. He said Governor Ahmed Ododo directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the victims' release.
According to Fanwo, the operation is coordinated by State Security Adviser Jerry Omodara and involves the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits. Advanced technology is also being deployed, and "encouraging progress is being recorded."
Victims identified
The government identified the victims as school principal Daniel Iyanaa; NECO official Solomon Audu; and two female candidates, Miss Dorcas Sunday and Miss Dorcas. Five people were initially abducted during the attack, but one victim has since been rescued.
Fanwo stressed that the government will spare no effort in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible. Preliminary findings indicate the examination centre, located in a remote area, was being used as a "miracle centre" for external candidates and did not conform to the state's security framework for NECO exams. Operational details will not be disclosed to avoid compromising the rescue effort.
Follow-up to Tuesday's attack
The abduction occurred on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the school while the examination was in progress. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with police spokesperson Salisu Oyiza stating that Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the State Security Adviser visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.
Growing security concerns
This abduction is the latest in a series of security incidents in Kogi State. On 9 July, suspected kidnappers ambushed a funeral convoy along the Ochadamu-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area, abducting nine mourners, including two Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials. The kidnappers abandoned the deceased officer's corpse and reportedly demanded N450 million ransom.
On 10 June, suspected terrorists attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, killing three people including the school's vice principal and a six-year-old child. The Kogi government later announced that security forces killed the alleged mastermind, Kachalla Ibrahim Batijo, and intensified military operations. Authorities imposed restrictions on motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu, banned night travel on some state roads, and increased intelligence-led operations. Despite these measures, attacks on schools, highways and rural communities have continued, raising fresh security concerns.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims of Tuesday's abduction.
