The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four people abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, while the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination was under way.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the development in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday.
Fanwo said the victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after Tuesday’s attack.
According to him, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups.
He said security operatives combed the forest where the abductors were believed to be hiding, leading to the victims’ rescue on Thursday.
Fanwo said Governor Ododo had earlier assured journalists, while inspecting recently acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers, that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. Sustained pressure and saturation of the forest by armed personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he said.
The rescued victims were identified as the school principal, a NECO official and two students. Fanwo said they were in good condition and were undergoing debriefing and medical examinations.
He added that security personnel had remained in the forest to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Our resolve is clear. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and local security operatives for what he described as their professionalism and effective collaboration during the operation.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the state with the support required for the rescue mission, saying the intervention contributed to its success.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, improving security logistics and enhancing cooperation among security agencies to tackle criminal activities.
The victims were abducted at about 5.25 p.m. on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the unauthorised examination centre while students were sitting the NECO examination. Security agencies subsequently launched a manhunt for the attackers.
