LOKOJA, NIGERIA: The Kogi State Government has initiated a joint security operation to rescue a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two female candidates who were abducted from Government Secondary School in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered the immediate deployment of resources, appointing State Security Adviser Jerry Omodara to coordinate the multi-agency response.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the abducted individuals have been identified as:
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Elder Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa
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Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official
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Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate
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Miss Dorcas, a female NECO candidate
The attackers initially seized five individuals during the ongoing NECO examinations. While security forces have successfully rescued one victim, search efforts remain underway for the remaining four.
Combined Security Response
The rescue mission involves a coalition of state and federal security forces, including:
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Personnel from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja
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The 21 Battalion in Anyigba
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The Nigeria Police Force
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The Department of State Services (DSS)
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The Kogi State Vigilante Service
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Local hunters and affiliated security groups
Authorities are utilizing advanced tracking technology to locate the kidnappers, with officials reporting steady progress in the ongoing search.
Investigation into Security Gaps
Preliminary investigations by state authorities reveal that the examination center, situated in a remote area, was operating as an unauthorized center for external candidates.
Officials confirmed that the two abducted female candidates were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa. Furthermore, the administration of the examination at this venue did not adhere to the mandatory security protocols established by the state government to safeguard candidates.
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe release of all remaining captives and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.