Security Operatives Rescue 4 Persons Abducted in Kogi School Attack

The Kogi State Government, Thursday, announced that security operatives, in a well-coordinated operation, have rescued four persons who were abducted on Tuesday when gunmen launched an attack on a school.

The rescued persons included four students, their principal, and an ad hoc staff member of the National Examination Council (NECO) who were abducted when gunmen laid siege to the school in Odo-Ekina, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who broke the good news in a statement on Thursday said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Usman Ododo immediately after the abduction.

“Just this evening,” Fanwo said in the press statement, “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.

“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.”

Giving more details on the rescue operation, the Information Commissioner recalled that  shortly after the kidnapping incident, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation.

Fanwo said the Kogi government commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, local security operatives and all other agencies involved in the rescue mission, describing their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

The Commissioner, on behalf of his principal, also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support for 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.”