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.
But Afusat said in a statement that 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 Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, PSC, MNI; the Brigade Commander; the State security adviser to the Governor of Kogi State; and I are currently en route to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment,” the statement read in part.
“A more detailed press release will be issued as soon as additional verified information becomes available. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has confirmed the mobilisation 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,” the commissioner said.
“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.”
Fanwo listed the abducted persons to include, “Elder Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.
“Five persons were initially abducted by the criminals. One victim has since been rescued, while efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe return of the remaining four.”
The Kogi State Government, however, 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,” the government said.