Abducted NECO Candidates were Sitting Exams at “Miracle Centre,” Kogi Govt says as Rescue Operation Intensifies

● Gov Ododo orders multi-agency operation to free four remaining captives. Principal, NECO official, and two students still held_

The Kogi State Government says two of the National Examinations Council candidates abducted from Government Secondary School, Olowa, Dekina LGA, on Tuesday were writing their exams at what it described as an alleged “miracle centre.”

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement Wednesday, as the state launched a coordinated operation to rescue four people still in captivity.

—Who is still being held—

According to the government, the gunmen abducted six people during the attack on the school while NECO exams were ongoing. One has since been rescued.

Those still in captivity are:

– Elder Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa
– Solomon Audu, a NECO official
– Dorcas Sunday, a candidate
– Dorcas, another female candidate

Fanwo said the two female candidates were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa.

—“Miracle centre” and security lapses—

Providing preliminary findings, the government said the examination centre was located in a remote and vulnerable area and was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.

“The examination arrangements did not comply with the security measures established by the state to safeguard candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations,” the statement said.

Despite the findings, the government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of all victims.

—Multi-agency rescue operation launched—

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered a multi-agency rescue mission led by State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara.

Personnel mobilised include:

– Nigerian Army: 12 Brigade, Lokoja and 21 Battalion, Anyigba
– Nigeria Police Force
– Department of State Services
– Kogi State Vigilante Service
– Local hunters and other security outfits

Fanwo said advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and that early results are “yielding positive results.”

“Every available resource will be deployed to rescue the victims and bring those responsible for the attack to justice,” he said.

The commissioner added that further operational details would not be disclosed to avoid compromising the mission.

He urged residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to support security agencies with useful information and to comply with directives.

The government pledged to work closely with security agencies until all victims are reunited with their families.

—Attack details—

Gunmen attacked Government Secondary School, Olowa, on Tuesday while candidates were sitting the ongoing NECO examination.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that one student has been rescued. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of schools and the proliferation of unauthorised examination centres in parts of the country.