Kogi Government Confirms Rescue Of Abducted Principal, NECO Official, Students
Security agencies have successfully rescued four individuals abducted during an attack on Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the rescue of the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, Mr Solomon Audu; and two candidates who were taken during Wednesday’s assault on the school.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced the rescue in a statement released on Thursday. According to Fanwo, the operation followed a coordinated rescue mission ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the attack.
“We can confirm that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and medical checks,” Fanwo said.
The rescue operation was coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, and involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes, and other security agencies.
Fanwo explained that sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee. He added that security operatives are still combing the forest to apprehend the kidnappers.
The commissioner commended the security agencies for their professionalism and described the operation as another example of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
The attack on Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, occurred on Wednesday, heightening concerns about the safety of educational institutions in the region. The successful rescue operation within 24 hours of the abduction reflects the coordinated response of security agencies in the state.
Governor Ododo had earlier directed security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims and to pursue the perpetrators. The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting schools and ensuring that learning environments remain secure for students and staff.