Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered a large-scale multi-agency security operation following the abduction of four persons from Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing NECO examinations.
The victims include the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa, a NECO official, Solomon Audu, and two female NECO candidates identified as Dorcas Sunday and another Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
The Kogi State Government disclosed that five persons were initially kidnapped, but one of the victims has since been rescued.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the rescue operation is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), in collaboration with security agencies. He noted that advanced technology is being deployed in the operation, expressing optimism that the remaining victims would be rescued safely.
The government also revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the examination centre, located in a remote area, was allegedly operating as a “miracle centre” for external candidates, with security arrangements outside the state’s approved framework for the ongoing NECO examinations.
While investigations continue, the state government assured residents of its commitment to securing the release of the abducted victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice. It also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in the ongoing rescue efforts.
