Abducted Kogi school principal, two Students, NECO official rescued

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the four people abducted during the recent attack on Government Secondary School (GSS) Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area.

The victims, including the school principal, two students and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member, were kidnapped by gunmen who invaded the school while students were writing their examinations.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the rescue followed a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.

Fanwo said the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.

He explained that sustained pressure from the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee the forest.

"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 said.

He added that security personnel are still combing the forest to track down the fleeing suspects, stressing that the operation remains ongoing.

The commissioner also praised the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilantes and other security operatives for their swift response, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state's security efforts and directing security agencies to assist in the rescue mission.