By Lawrence Agbo
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four people abducted during an attack on a school, following a coordinated security operation involving multiple security agencies.
The rescued victims include the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students. According to the state government, they were freed after sustained pressure from security personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Usman Ododo had immediately directed the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims,” the commissioner said.
Fanwo disclosed that the operation intensified after the governor assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to rescue those abducted. He said the heavy deployment of armed personnel into the forest left the kidnappers with no option but to abandon their captives.
“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.
The commissioner added that security operatives remain in the forest to track down the fleeing suspects, stressing that the operation is still ongoing.
“Security operatives remain in the forest, and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.
“We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official, and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.”
He also commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security operatives, and other agencies for their swift response, describing the rescue as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.
Fanwo further expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the necessary support for the rescue operation, noting that the intervention contributed to the successful release of the victims.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims,” the commissioner said.
“Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.”
The rescued principal, NECO official and students are currently in the custody of security agencies, where they are undergoing debriefing and medical evaluation.
(The Sun)