Armed attackers stormed Government Secondary School in Olowa, Kogi State, on Tuesday evening, kidnapping the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor, and several students. The incident occurred around 5:25 pm while an examination was in progress. Residents reported that the gunmen fired weapons to clear the area before entering the school grounds. Investigations by the Kogi State Police Command and the state government revealed that the school, previously closed due to security risks, was being used unofficially as an examination center.
Kogi State authorities have launched a coordinated rescue mission involving the military, police, DSS, and local vigilante groups. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to expedite the safe return of the captives. While initial reports indicated five people were taken, officials confirmed one person has already been rescued. Authorities are also investigating reports of examination malpractice linked to the facility.
In response to the crisis, education advocates, including NAPTAN and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have intensified calls for the full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative. They are urging the government to enhance perimeter security and surveillance to protect learning environments. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the abduction, labeling the security lapse a failure of governance and calling for urgent policy reforms to protect students across the country.
Separately, reports have emerged regarding three soldiers abducted while traveling to Zamfara State. Despite claims from families that the military was notified, both the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Defence Headquarters stated they have no knowledge of that specific event.