Suspected gunmen on Tuesday stormed Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, disrupting the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination and abducting the school principal, four students and a NECO ad hoc official.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at about 5:25 p.m., threw the school into confusion as students and staff fled for safety while the armed men carried out the abduction.
According to security sources, the assailants invaded the school premises while candidates were writing one of the ongoing NECO examination papers before whisking away the six victims to an unknown destination.
A security source said the attack triggered an immediate response from security agencies.
“The gunmen invaded the school during the examination, causing panic among students and members of staff. They abducted the principal, four students and a NECO ad hoc official before fleeing the scene,” the source said.
The source added that a joint team of security personnel has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining victims.
Providing an update on the operation, the source disclosed that one of the abducted students had already regained freedom.
“One of the four abducted students has been rescued, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the principal, the NECO official and the remaining three students,” the source stated.
Although details surrounding the student’s rescue were not immediately available, security operatives have reportedly expanded operations across the area.
The source further explained that security agencies had commenced extensive bush-combing operations, intelligence gathering and surveillance in communities surrounding the school.
“The ongoing operation is focused on locating the kidnappers’ hideout, rescuing the remaining victims and ensuring those responsible are arrested and brought to justice,” the source added.
Authorities said the rescue operation remains ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to restore calm and strengthen security in the affected community.
