Kogi’s Ododo orders massive security deployment for rescue of abducted NECO students, principal

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Kogi governor, Ahmed Ododo has ordered massive multi-agency security operation for the rescue of four students and principal abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The students and the principal were abducted during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the rescue operation is being coordinated by Ododo’s Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the full participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the State.

He listed those involved in the operation to include officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.

Fanwo said the operatives have all been deployed for the rescue of the abductees.

“Advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and encouraging progress is being recorded,” the Kogi Commissioner said.

Fanwo identified the victims abducted by the bandits to include Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the Principal of the School, Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.

The Kogi Commissioner noted that five people were initially abducted by the bandits, but one of the victim has been rescued.

However, the Commissioner said preliminary findings indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a “miracle” centre for external candidates.

He also claimed that the two female candidates abducted by the bandits were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa.

Fanwo added that the examination arrangements at the school did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations across the State.

But he stressed that that this does not diminish Kogi State Government’s responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within its borders.

“The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” he said.

He added that to protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the Government will not disclose further operational details at this time.

The Kogi Commissioner also urged residents of Olowa and surrounding communities to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.

“The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to work closely with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families,” the Commissioner said.