Kogi govt begins manhunt after abduction of school principal, students
Kogi State Initiates Security Operation to Rescue Kidnapped Educators and Students
The Kogi State Government has launched a comprehensive multi-agency security operation to rescue a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students who were abducted during the ongoing NECO examinations. The incident occurred at Government Secondary School, Olowa, in the Dekina Local Government Area.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered the operation, which is being coordinated by State Security Adviser Jerry Omodara. The operation involves all security and intelligence agencies active in the state.
This information was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications.
The kidnapped individuals have been identified as Elder Daniel Iyanaa, principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; and two female candidates, one of whom is Miss Dorcas Sunday.
Initial reports indicate that five individuals were taken hostage. One victim has since been rescued, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining four.
The operation has seen the involvement of various security forces, including personnel from 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 agencies. Advanced technology is also being utilized in the operation, with promising progress reported.
Preliminary findings revealed that the examination center, situated in a remote area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle” center for external candidates. The two abducted female students were not regular attendees of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and their examination arrangements did not align with the security protocols established by the state for NECO examinations.
“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for this crime,” the statement emphasized.
