The Kogi State Police Command has commenced an intensive rescue operation following the abduction of four people during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
Those abducted include the principal of the school, Elder Daniel Iyanaa, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official identified as Solomon Audu, and two female examination candidates, one of whom was identified as Dorcas Sunday.
Police spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat said the incident occurred while 10 candidates were writing the ongoing NECO examination at the facility.
In response, Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi deployed tactical and operational teams to the area. He later visited the scene alongside the Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, and the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to coordinate security efforts and assess the situation.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the examination was taking place at the premises of an abandoned Government Secondary School that had previously been shut down by the state government because of security concerns and its isolated location.
The command said investigators are examining how the facility came to be used for the ongoing examinations despite its closure.
Police also disclosed that inquiries are focusing on allegations that the location had been operating as an unauthorised examination centre and was allegedly associated with examination malpractice.
Authorities warned that anyone found to have facilitated the use of the abandoned school or engaged in any form of examination-related misconduct would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, security has been reinforced across the area, with personnel from the police, Nigerian Army, local vigilante groups and hunters carrying out coordinated search operations and intelligence-driven patrols aimed at locating the victims and apprehending those responsible.
The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted individuals and pledged a comprehensive investigation into both the kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding the operation of the examination centre.
Police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and refrain from circulating unverified reports that could undermine ongoing operations.
