The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that the four people rescued after Tuesday’s abduction at a National Examinations Council examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area are receiving medical attention and other necessary support.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Kankarofi, said the victims had been handed over to the appropriate authorities following their rescue by a joint security team.
The victims were kidnapped on July 14 when armed men attacked an examination centre operating at the abandoned Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, where 10 special NECO candidates were sitting for the ongoing examinations.
Those abducted included the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanda, NECO official Solomon Peter, and two female candidates identified as Dorcas Sunday and another candidate simply identified as Dorcas.
Kankarofi said security agencies launched an intensive rescue operation immediately after the incident was reported.
“Following the report of the incident, I personally visited the scene with the Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and the State Security Adviser to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts,” he said.
According to the police commissioner, additional tactical teams and intelligence personnel were deployed, while joint operations involving the police, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, hunters and other security stakeholders combed surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.
He disclosed that the sustained operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.
“At about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, all four abducted victims were rescued alive through the sustained operational pressure mounted on the kidnappers. They have since been reunited with the appropriate authorities and are receiving the necessary care and support. We thank God that no life was lost,” Kankarofi stated.
The commissioner revealed that preliminary investigations showed the state government had previously shut down Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo because of its remote location and security concerns.
He said findings indicated the abandoned school was allegedly being used as a special examination centre for NECO candidates.
“Information available to the police suggests the abandoned premises may have been unlawfully used as a special examination centre. We have also uncovered allegations that some individuals facilitated the use of the closed facility despite its status,” he said.
Kankarofi added that investigators were also looking into allegations that the examination centre had gained a reputation for examination malpractice.
“Anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status or position, will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
Describing the incident as a reminder that security should never be sacrificed for convenience, the police commissioner stressed that public examinations must only be conducted in approved and secure centres.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel for their roles in the successful rescue operation.
Kankarofi assured residents that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
“Although the victims have been rescued, the operation has not ended. We remain committed to tracking down and prosecuting everyone involved in this criminal act,” he said.
He also urged examination bodies, school authorities and members of the public to cooperate with investigators and continue providing credible information to support security operations across the state.
