Kogi Government says sustained military pressure forced kidnappers to abandon victims during a coordinated rescue operation.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on a school in Odo-Ekina, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, comprising the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official, and two students, were kidnapped on Tuesday when gunmen invaded the school while examinations were ongoing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Usman Ododo.
According to Fanwo, sustained pressure mounted by security agencies and the deployment of heavily armed personnel into the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Ododo had directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation immediately after the incident.
He commended the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Police, local vigilantes, and other security agencies for their swift response, describing the operation as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.
Fanwo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts, revealing that the President directed security chiefs to provide all necessary assistance to secure the victims’ release.
“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,” he added.
Security operatives remain in the forest as efforts continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.