Sustained pressure and intensive forest operations by security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee
By Moses Okorie
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, where candidates were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO).
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja.
Fanwo said the victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to him, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, retired Cmdr. Jerry Omodara, to coordinate a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups to secure the release of the victims.
He explained that security operatives combed the forest where the abductors were believed to be hiding, resulting in the successful rescue of the victims on Thursday.
Fanwo recalled that while inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers recently acquired by the state government, Governor Ododo had assured journalists that every possible effort was being made to ensure the safe return of those abducted.
“Just a few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. Sustained pressure and intensive forest operations by security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he said.
The commissioner identified the rescued victims as the school principal, a NECO official and two students, noting that they were all in good condition.
“They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and medical evaluation,” he added.
Fanwo said security personnel had continued operations in the forest to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“Our resolve is clear. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
He commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and local security operatives for their professionalism and courage, describing the rescue as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the state with the necessary support for the rescue mission.
According to Fanwo, the President’s intervention played a significant role in the successful outcome of the operation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ododo administration to strengthening intelligence gathering, improving security logistics and enhancing collaboration among security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
The the victims were abducted at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the unauthorised examination centre while students were sitting for the NECO examination.
Following the attack, security agencies immediately launched a manhunt for the assailants.