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Gunmen invade Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, during the ongoing NECO examination, abducting four students, the principal and a NECO ad hoc staff member
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Kogi Police confirm one abducted student has been rescued as a joint security team intensifies search-and-rescue operations for the remaining victims
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Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi, Brigade Commander and State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd) lead an on-the-spot assessment of the attack
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Fresh assault on a school examination centre raises renewed concerns over the safety of students, teachers and examination officials amid persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s education sector
July 15, (THEWILL) — Gunmen, on Tuesday, attacked Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member while candidates were writing the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination.
The attack, which occurred at about 5:25 p.m., threw the examination centre into chaos as the armed assailants invaded the school premises, forcing students and staff to flee while abducting six victims and escaping to an unknown destination.
THEWILL gathered that a combined team of police personnel and other security agencies immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the release of the abductees and track down those responsible for the attack.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said one of the abducted students had already been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to free the remaining victims.
She disclosed that police operatives, working alongside other security agencies, had intensified operations across the area, combing nearby forests and adjoining communities in a determined effort to locate the kidnappers.
According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, accompanied by the Brigade Commander and the Kogi State Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd), was on his way to the scene to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and supervise the ongoing rescue mission.
Afusat added that the Police Command would issue a more detailed statement as additional verified information becomes available.
Pressure Mounts On Security Agencies
The attack is expected to intensify calls for more proactive security measures around schools and examination centres, particularly in states considered vulnerable to kidnapping and armed violence.
Security agencies have appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible intelligence that could assist ongoing operations, assuring the public that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of those still in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, one abducted student had been rescued, while four students, the school principal and the NECO ad hoc staff member remained in captivity. Police said further updates would be provided as rescue efforts and investigations progress.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
