Adedokun Waliyu 
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, including students, the school principal, and an ad hoc staff member of the National Examination Council (NECO), were kidnapped on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the school.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor had earlier assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers acquired by the state government to strengthen the fight against criminality.
He explained that sustained pressure from security operatives and the deployment of heavily armed personnel into the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.
Fanwo added that security personnel remain in the forest, and the operation is still ongoing to ensure the fleeing criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.
He confirmed that the school principal, the NECO official, and the rescued students are safe and currently undergoing debriefing and medical examinations under the care of security agencies.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Ododo had directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue mission immediately after the abduction.
The Kogi State Government commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security operatives, and other participating agencies for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response, describing the successful rescue as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
Fanwo also expressed the state’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support, stating that the President directed security agencies to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the victims’ safe return.
He noted that the support from the Federal Government contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the rescue operation, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring criminals face the full weight of the law.
