The Kogi State Government has announced the launch of a massive multi-agency security operation to rescue a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during the ongoing NECO examinations at Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area.
The operation was ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, 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 candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname has yet to be confirmed.
The government said five people were initially abducted by the attackers, but one victim has already been rescued while efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining four.
It said personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja, the 21 Battalion in Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits have been deployed to the area. The statement added that advanced technology is also being used in the operation and that encouraging progress is being recorded.
The government disclosed that preliminary findings showed the examination centre, located in a remote area, was being used as a “miracle” centre for external candidates. It said the two female candidates who were abducted were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and that the examination arrangements did not comply with the security framework put in place by the state to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations.
Despite the findings, the government said it remained committed to rescuing all the victims.
“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,” the statement said.
The government added that it would not reveal further details about the operation to avoid compromising ongoing efforts.
It also urged residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to support security agencies 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.
