……As Ododo Deploys Army, Police, DSS in Coordinated Rescue Mission
Emmanuel Ikpeama
LOKOJA – The Kogi State Government has launched a massive manhunt for suspected kidnappers following the abduction of a school principal, two National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and a NECO official from Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims were kidnapped on Tuesday while the ongoing NECO examinations were taking place, prompting Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to order an immediate, coordinated security operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending those behind the attack.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that the Governor had directed all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state to work together in an intensive rescue mission.
According to Fanwo, the operation is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with personnel drawn from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, the 21 Battalion, Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.
The commissioner identified the victims as the Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Mr. Solomon Audu; NECO candidate Miss Dorcas Sunday; and another female candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
Fanwo revealed that five persons were initially abducted during the attack but confirmed that one of the victims had already regained freedom through ongoing rescue efforts. He added that security operatives have intensified the search for the remaining four victims.
He explained that the government is deploying advanced surveillance technology alongside conventional security operations to strengthen the rescue mission, noting that encouraging progress has already been recorded.
The commissioner further disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated the examination centre, located in a remote part of Dekina Local Government Area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
He said the two female candidates who were abducted were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, adding that the examination arrangements at the centre did not comply with the security framework established by the Kogi State Government to safeguard NECO candidates across the state.
Despite the findings, Fanwo stressed that the government remains fully committed to protecting every resident and visitor within Kogi State, irrespective of the circumstances.
“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of everyone responsible for this criminal act,” he stated.
He noted that the government would not disclose additional operational details so as not to jeopardise the ongoing security operation.
The state government also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in locating the abducted victims and tracking down the kidnappers.
Reaffirming Governor Ododo’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, Fanwo assured the public that the administration would continue working closely with all security agencies until the victims are rescued unharmed and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
