Emmanuel Ikpeama.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of four persons abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, describing the operation as a major victory in its ongoing fight against criminality.
The rescued victims include a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were kidnapped while examinations were in progress.
Announcing the development in a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the successful rescue was made possible through a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to Fanwo, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He explained that the combined security team immediately launched a massive operation, combing the forests where the kidnappers had taken the victims.
The sustained pressure mounted by the security forces forced the abductors to abandon the victims and flee.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ododo had earlier assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The governor made the pledge while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
The Commissioner disclosed that only a few hours after the governor’s assurance, the victims regained their freedom as the intense security operation overwhelmed the kidnappers.
He confirmed that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students were rescued alive, unharmed and are currently in the custody of security agencies for debriefing and routine medical examinations.
Fanwo added that security personnel have continued combing the forests to apprehend the fleeing criminals, stressing that the operation remains active until every member of the kidnapping gang is brought to justice.
He commended the gallantry, professionalism and dedication of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies whose collaboration ensured the success of the rescue mission.
The Commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, revealing that the President directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to facilitate the safe rescue of the victims.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Fanwo said Governor Ododo’s administration would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, security infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that Kogi State remains safe and secure for residents.
He assured the people of the state that the government would not relent in its determination to rid every part of Kogi of criminal elements, emphasizing that anyone involved in crime would face the full weight of the law.
