The Kogi State Government has launched a massive 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.
The operation, ordered by Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo, is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, with the participation of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.
The abducted victims were identified as Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the 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 has yet to be confirmed.
The state government said five persons were initially abducted during the incident, but one victim has since been rescued, while security agencies have intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining four.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, security forces from the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, alongside other security and intelligence agencies, have been deployed to the area.
The statement added that advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, with authorities reporting encouraging progress.
Preliminary findings by the government indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
According to the government, the two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not conform to the security framework established by the state government for the protection of candidates participating in the ongoing NECO examinations across Kogi State.
The government, however, stressed that the circumstances surrounding the examination centre do not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and visitor within the state.
“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.
To safeguard the ongoing operation, the government said it would not disclose further operational details at this stage.
It also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that security agencies would sustain the operation until all the abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.
By Zagazola Makama
