The Kogi State Government has confirmed that security operatives have successfully rescued the victims abducted during Tuesday’s attack on a school in Odo-Ekina, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, who included the school principal, four students and an ad hoc staff member of the National Examination Council (NECO), were kidnapped when armed attackers invaded the school.
Announcing the development on Thursday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation launched immediately after the incident on the directive of Governor Usman Ododo.
According to him, the rescue was achieved after sustained pressure from security agencies forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
“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,” Fanwo 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 explained that Governor Ododo immediately directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation shortly after the abduction was reported.
He praised the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security outfits and other agencies involved in the operation, describing their swift response as proof of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The commissioner also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts throughout the rescue mission.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims,” Fanwo 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.”
Although the victims have been rescued, security personnel remain in the forest as the operation continues to track down the fleeing kidnappers and ensure they are brought to justice.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
