Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has welcomed a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students who were rescued after being abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims were received at the Government House in Lokoja, where the governor was accompanied by heads of security agencies in the state.
The principal, NECO official and students were freed during a joint security operation after sustained pressure from security personnel reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee.
The governor applauded the joint security team for the successful rescue and assured residents that efforts would continue until those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.
He equally expressed worry over the alleged operation of an illegal examination, or ‘miracle’, centre despite the state’s free education policy.
Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for the successful operation, reiterating that Kogi State will never be a safe haven for criminal elements.