Kogi Govt confirms rescue of abducted NECO candidates, officials

The Kogi Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, while the National Examinations Council, NECO, examination was in progress.

Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja.

Mr Fanwo said that the victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.

According to him, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Retired Cmdr. Jerry Omodara, to lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army,  State Security Service, SSS, Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups to secure the victims’ release.

He said security operatives combed the forest where the abductors were believed to be hiding, leading to the successful rescue of the victims on Thursday.

Mr Fanwo said that while inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers recently procured by the state government, Ododo had assured journalists that every effort was being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.

“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. Sustained pressure and saturation of the forest by armed personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he said.

He identified the rescued victims as the school principal, a NECO official and two students, adding that they were in good condition.

“They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and medical checks,” he said.

The commissioner said security personnel had remained in the forest to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“Our resolve is clear. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Mr Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and local security operatives for their professionalism and bravery, describing the rescue as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration.

He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the state with the necessary support for the rescue operation.

According to him, the President’s intervention contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the operation.

Mr Fanwo reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.

The victims were abducted at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the unauthorised examination centre while students were writing the NECO examination.

Security agencies immediately launched a manhunt for the assailants.

NAN