Kidnapped Kogi school principal, NECO official, students regain freedom

The Kogi State Government says the kidnapped school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and students writing the ongoing NECO examination at Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area have been rescued.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.

“Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.

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

Peoples Gazette earlier reported that gunmen invaded Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina in the Dekina Area of the state where the school principal, NECO official and students writing the ongoing examination were abducted on Tuesday.

“Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.

“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 necessary medical checks,” he added.

Mr Fanwo said the state security adviser, alongside the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the State Security Service (SSS), the police, and local security operatives, stormed the forest to secure the victims’ release.

Mr Fanwo expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support for the state’s security efforts.

The commander of the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Lr Col. Godiya Solomon Monde had earlier said that troops had blocked exit points and were working to rescue the abducted victim.