The Kogi State government said it has mobilised a massive multi-agency security operation to secure the safe rescue of four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
According to a press statement made available to reporters by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the operation was directed by Governor Usman Ododo and was being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), with the full participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.
The victims are Elder Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
Five people were initially abducted by the criminals. One victim has since been rescued, while efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe return of the remaining four.
Officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja; 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Kogi State Vigilante Service; local hunters and other security outfits are said to have been deployed to the area, with advanced technology also being deployed to support the operation.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a “miracle” centre for external candidates.
“The two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations across the state.
“The Kogi State Government, however, stresses that this does not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within its borders. The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
“To protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the government will not disclose further operational details at this time. Residents of Olowa and surrounding communities are urged to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
“The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to work closely with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families,” the statement added.
(The Sun)