Kogi Rescues Abducted Principal, NECO Official, Two Students After Security Operation

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were abducted by gunmen in Olowa community, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation involving security agencies and local vigilante groups, according to the Kogi State Government.

The abducted victims were reportedly taken away while carrying out activities connected to the ongoing NECO examination in the area, raising concerns over the safety of education workers, examination officials and students in parts of the state.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the rescue operation, stating that the victims regained their freedom after security operatives intensified efforts to locate and rescue them.

Fanwo said the operation was carried out through effective collaboration between government security structures, conventional security agencies and local community stakeholders.

He added that the rescue demonstrated the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to protecting residents and ensuring that criminal elements do not disrupt educational activities across the state.

The commissioner explained that the rescued victims were receiving necessary medical attention and support after their ordeal in captivity, while security agencies continued efforts to track down the perpetrators.

The abduction had occurred in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded the community and whisked away the principal, NECO official and two students.

The incident generated concern among residents, especially as the victims were linked to the conduct of the national examination, with stakeholders calling for increased security around schools and examination centres.

Following the attack, security agencies launched a search operation aimed at locating the victims and ensuring their safe return.

The Kogi State Government said the rescue was achieved without compromise to the safety of the victims, adding that further operations were ongoing to prevent similar incidents and apprehend those responsible.

Governor Ododo’s administration has repeatedly emphasised security as a major priority, with the state government maintaining that it would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing and collaboration with security agencies to combat criminal activities.

The latest development comes amid growing concerns over attacks targeting schools, students and education personnel in different parts of Nigeria, with governments and security agencies facing increased pressure to improve protection around learning environments.

Security authorities have continued to appeal to residents to provide useful information that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and arrest criminal elements operating in communities across the state.

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