The Kogi State Government has disclosed that two of the National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates abducted during Tuesday’s attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area were sitting their examinations at what it described as an alleged “miracle centre”.
The government also confirmed that an extensive multi-agency security operation is underway to rescue the four remaining victims still being held by their abductors.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the rescue mission was ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, in collaboration with security and intelligence agencies operating across the state.
Those still in captivity include the Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Solomon Audu; a NECO candidate, Dorcas Sunday; and another female candidate identified simply as Dorcas.
The state government revealed that five people were initially abducted during the attack, but one of the victims has since regained freedom through ongoing rescue efforts.
Security personnel involved in the operation include troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in Lokoja and the 21 Battalion in Anyigba, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security operatives.
Authorities said advanced technology is
also being deployed to support the operation, adding that progress has been encouraging.Preliminary investigations by the government indicate that the examination centre was located in a remote and vulnerable area and was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
The government further stated that the two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and that the examination arrangements did not comply with the security framework established by the state for the ongoing NECO examinations.
Despite the findings, the government reassured residents that every effort is being made to secure the safe return of all those still in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Officials also explained that further operational details would not be released to avoid compromising the rescue mission. Residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities have been urged to support security agencies by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The attack occurred on Tuesday while candidates were writing the ongoing NECO examinations. Gunmen reportedly stormed the school and abducted the principal, a NECO ad hoc official and four candidates.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts continue to free the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
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