Students, principal kidnapped during NECO exams in Kogi RESCUED

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, comprising a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students, regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.

According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue mission immediately after the kidnapping incident.

Fanwo disclosed that sustained pressure mounted by security operatives and the deployment of heavily armed personnel into the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee. He added that security forces remain in the area as operations continue to track down the fleeing suspects.

"We can confirm that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks," the statement said.

The state government commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups and other security personnel involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

Fanwo also expressed the state's appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kogi's security efforts, noting that the President directed security agencies to provide the necessary assistance to secure the victims' release.

The victims were abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, while candidates were sitting for the ongoing NECO examinations.