The Kogi State Government has disclosed that two of the National Examinations Council candidates abducted during Tuesday’s attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area were allegedly writing their examinations at an unauthorised “miracle centre.”
The government also assured residents that security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue the four victims still in captivity through a coordinated multi-agency operation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the state government said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to ensure the safe return of all those abducted.
According to the statement, the rescue operation is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, with the participation of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.
The victims still being held include the Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Solomon Audu; and two female candidates identified as Dorcas Sunday and another Dorcas whose surname has not yet been confirmed.
The government said one of the abducted persons had already been rescued, while security operatives continued efforts to free the remaining captives.
Fanwo said preliminary investigations showed that the examination centre where the incident occurred was located in a remote area and was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
“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 statement read.
Despite the findings, the commissioner stressed that the government remained committed to rescuing every victim.
“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” Fanwo stated.
He added that authorities would not release further details about the rescue operation to avoid compromising ongoing security efforts.
“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,” he said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies until all those abducted are safely reunited with their families.
Gunmen had attacked Government Secondary School, Olowa, on Tuesday while candidates were writing the ongoing NECO examination, abducting the school principal, a NECO ad hoc official and four students. Police later confirmed that one of the abducted students had been rescued, while efforts to free the remaining victims continue.
