The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four people abducted during Tuesday’s attack on Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The victims include the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official and two students, who were kidnapped when armed men invaded the school while the ongoing NECO examination was taking place.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims regained their freedom following an intensive security operation launched on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
Fanwo explained that while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers purchased by the state government to strengthen security operations, Governor Ododo had assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the release of the victims.
According to the commissioner, only a few hours after the governor’s assurance, the victims were rescued as sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee.
“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.
“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.”
Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ododo had, immediately after receiving reports of the abduction, instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue mission alongside other security agencies.
He commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security outfits and other agencies involved in the operation, praising their professionalism and effective collaboration in securing the victims’ release.
The commissioner also conveyed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kogi’s security efforts, revealing that the President directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims.
“Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.”
