The Kogi State Government says four people abducted during the recent attack on an “unauthorised” examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, have been rescued.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo shortly after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed his Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, to lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Gunmen had attacked the Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, on Tuesday evening, abducting four students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official.
“The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued,” the statement read.
“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.”
Fanwo disclosed that the rescued victims include the school principal, the NECO official and two students. He added that they are in stable condition and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical examination.
The commissioner praised the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation underscored the value of inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “steadfast support for the state’s security efforts”, revealing that the President directed security chiefs to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the victims’ rescue.
Fanwo reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities, stating that the Ododo administration would continue investing in intelligence gathering, security equipment and stronger collaboration among security agencies to safeguard lives and property.