Security Operatives Launch Manhunt After Abduction of Students in Kogi

Security operatives in Kogi have launched a manhunt for the gunmen who abducted students at the Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state. According to the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, Saliu Afusat, four students, their principal, and an ad hoc staff member of the National Examination Council (NECO) were abducted on Tuesday when the school came under attack.

A combined team of the Police and other security agencies immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and is currently on the trail of the assailants. So far, one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the mobilization of a 'massive multi-agency security operation to secure the safe rescue' of the abducted persons. In a statement, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation was directed by the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Retd), with the full participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.

Officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters, and other security outfits have all been deployed to the area. Advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and encouraging progress is being recorded.

Preliminary findings indicate that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a 'miracle' centre for external candidates. The two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations across the State.

The Kogi State Government assured it would spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime. To protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the Government will not disclose further operational details at this time. Residents of Olowa and surrounding communities are urged to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.

A senior official at the Kogi State Government has confirmed that the abducted students and officials are still missing, and efforts are ongoing to rescue them safely. This incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state and the need for increased measures to protect public facilities and individuals.

Key Facts

  • Four students, their principal, and an examination official were abducted by gunmen in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi.
  • One of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
  • A combined team of the Police and other security agencies has launched a search-and-rescue operation.
  • The Kogi State Government has mobilized a massive multi-agency security operation to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons.
  • Preliminary findings indicate that the examination centre was being used as a 'miracle' centre for external candidates.
  • Advanced technology is being deployed to support the operation.

Governor Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Retd), to coordinate the operation and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons. The Governor has also assured the public that the Government will spare no effort in ensuring the safe rescue and arrest of those responsible for the crime. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state and the need for increased measures to protect public facilities and individuals.

The security situation in the state is a serious concern, and we will do everything to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators to book.

  • Governor Usman Ododo