Abduction: NECO denies operating ‘miracle centre’ in Kogi

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed claims that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five persons were abducted during the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, is a “miracle centre”.

While sympathising with the victims and commending the Kogi State Government and security agencies for securing the release of the remaining four abductees, the Council rejected remarks attributed to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, describing the school as a miracle centre.

NECO in a statement signed by Azeez Sani,  Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, clarified that Government Secondary School, Olowa, is a public institution owned by the Kogi State Government. The school has existed for over 40 years and has presented candidates for the NECO SSCE since 2000.

The Council noted that the school’s principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, who was among those abducted, is a Grade Level 17 officer in the Kogi State Civil Service.

It explained that the kidnapped examination supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu, is a Grade Level 12 officer employed by the Kogi State Government and posted to Community Secondary School, Effin.

According to NECO, official records show that all 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are bona fide students and not external candidates, contrary to the impression created by the Commissioner’s statement.

The Council further disclosed, ”  the school’s SSCE enrolment over the past five years reflects consistent participation:

2025: 20 candidates, 2024: 40 candidates, 2023: 28 candidates

2022: 20 candidates, 2021: 21 candidates”

It also revealed that the Kogi State Government paid the WAEC SSCE examination fees for 51 students from the same school during the recently concluded 2026 examination.

NECO explained that before the commencement of the 2026 SSCE, its Kogi State Coordinator formally sought the support of security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.

“The move followed the terrorist attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Ijumu Local Government Area, during the 2026 WAEC examination,” it stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible examinations, NECO said it maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

The Council noted that reforms introduced under the leadership of Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi have significantly reduced reported cases of examination malpractice over the past five years.

NECO then urged public officials and stakeholders to verify facts before making public statements capable of damaging the reputation of institutions or causing unnecessary public anxiety.