Kogi launches massive manhunt for abductors of NECO exam students, others

The Kogi Government has deployed a massive multi-agency security operation to rescue four persons abducted from the Government Secondary School, Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Recall that the victims were abducted on Tuesday during the ongoing National Examinations Council, NECO, examinations.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja.

He said Gov. Ahmed Ododo ordered the operation, which is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with full participation of all security and intelligence agencies in the state.

According to Fanwo, the victims are Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the school Principal; 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.

He said five persons were initially abducted, noting that one victim had since been rescued.

He said efforts had been intensified to ensure the safe return of the remaining four.

“Officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, 21 Battalion, Anyigba, the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits have been deployed to the area,” he said.

The government said advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and “encouraging progress is being recorded.”

Mr Fanwo 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 noted that the two female candidates involved were not regular students of the school, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi government to protect NECO candidates across the state.

“This does not diminish our responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within Kogi 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.

“To protect the integrity of the operation, further operational details will not be disclosed at this time.

“Residents of Olowa and surrounding communities are advised to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information.”

Mr Fanwo reaffirmed Kogi government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and pledged to work with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
NAN