The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of persons abducted during Tuesday’s attack on a school in Odo-Ekina, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
Gunmen had invaded the school and abducted four students, the school principal and an ad hoc staff member of the National Examination Council (NECO), sparking a coordinated security response by the state government.
While announcing the development on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims were rescued following an intensive operation launched on the directive of Governor Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
“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,” the commissioner said.
“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.
“We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official, and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.”
Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ododo had, shortly after the abduction, directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate efforts aimed at securing the victims’ release.
He commended the professionalism and bravery of personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security outfits and other agencies that participated in the rescue operation, describing the success as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
The commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims,” the commissioner said.
“Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.”
