Authorities in Kogi State have confirmed the successful liberation of four individuals who were abducted during an assault on an illegal examination venue in Olowa, located within the Dekina Local Government Area. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, announced on Thursday that the operation was the result of a swift, unified security response initiated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Following the abduction, Governor Ododo instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Ret.), to lead a rescue mission. This task force included personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilantes. The security team scoured the forest, applying significant pressure on the kidnappers until they released the captives and fled the area.
The group of rescued victims includes a school principal, a NECO representative, and two students, all of whom are reported to be in good health and undergoing standard medical evaluations. Operations in the forest continue as authorities seek to apprehend the perpetrators.
The state government expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his directive to security agencies to provide necessary assistance during the crisis. Commissioner Fanwo praised the bravery of the security personnel and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritizing safety through continued intelligence gathering and equipment upgrades.
