Gov Ododo Receives Rescued NECO Victims, Vows to Hunt Down Kogi Kidnappers

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has received the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were rescued after being abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.

The rescued victims were welcomed at the Government House in Lokoja, where the governor met with them alongside heads of security agencies involved in the rescue operation.

The victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation that intensified pressure on the kidnappers, forcing the armed suspects to abandon their captives and flee the area.

Commending the security agencies for the successful mission, Governor Ododo praised the joint operation and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stressing that Kogi would not become a refuge for criminals.

“Kogi State will never be a safe haven for criminal elements,” the governor declared while appreciating President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for their support in securing the victims’ release.

Ododo also raised concerns over reports that an illegal examination, commonly referred to as a “miracle centre,” was allegedly operating in the area despite the state’s free education policy.

The governor said the matter would be thoroughly investigated, noting that efforts to improve education must be matched with strict enforcement against examination malpractice and other illegal activities.

The rescue comes amid ongoing security operations across Kogi State aimed at combating kidnapping and protecting schools, particularly during public examinations.