Ododo orders full-scale security operation as four abducted NECO exam victims remain in captivity.

The Kogi State Government has disclosed that two of the National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates abducted from Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area were writing their examinations at what it described as an alleged “miracle centre.

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The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, made the disclosure in a statement while announcing that the state had launched a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of four victims still in captivity.
According to the government, six people were abducted when gunmen invaded the school during the ongoing NECO examinations. One student has since been rescued, while those still being held are the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Solomon Audu; and two female candidates identified as Dorcas Sunday and another Dorcas.
Fanwo stated that preliminary findings showed the two female candidates were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa. He added that the examination centre was located in a remote and vulnerable area and was allegedly operating as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
The commissioner said the examination arrangements failed to comply with the security measures put in place by the state to protect candidates during the ongoing examinations. Despite the security lapses, he stressed that the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of all those abducted.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed a multi-agency rescue operation led by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara. Security personnel involved in the operation include the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in Lokoja and 21 Battalion in Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.
Fanwo said advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, adding that early efforts were already yielding positive results. He assured that every available resource would be used to rescue the victims and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
He noted that further operational details would not be disclosed to avoid jeopardising the mission and appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to assist security agencies with credible information while complying with security directives.
Gunmen attacked Government Secondary School, Olowa, on Tuesday while candidates were sitting the ongoing NECO examination. The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of one student, while efforts continue to free the remaining victims and arrest the attackers. The incident has also renewed concerns over the security of schools and the activities of unauthorised examination centres across parts of the country.