Gunmen Abduct NECO Candidates, School Principal and Exam Official During Ongoing Examination in Kogi
Gunmen Abduct NECO Candidates in Kogi: Panic swept through Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday evening after heavily armed gunmen stormed the school during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination and abducted four candidates, the school principal, and a NECO ad hoc official.
The shocking attack disrupted the examination and left students, teachers, and residents in fear as the assailants forced their victims into the surrounding bush before fleeing to an unknown destination.
Terror Strikes NECO Examination Centre
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the incident as terrifying. According to residents, the armed men invaded the examination centre while candidates were still writing their NECO papers.
“We heard people shouting and running for safety. The gunmen came suddenly, and everyone was terrified. Before security could respond, they had already taken the students, the principal, and one examination official away,” a local resident said.
The attack has once again highlighted the growing security challenges facing schools and examination centres in parts of Nigeria.
Police Confirm Abduction of Students and School Officials
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the victims include four NECO candidates, the school principal, and one NECO ad hoc staff member assigned to the examination centre.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza, said security operatives responded immediately after receiving reports of the attack.
According to her, rescue operations were launched without delay, leading to the successful rescue of one of the abducted students.
She added that security agencies are intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the remaining victims while tracking down those responsible for the kidnapping.
Commissioner of Police Visits Scene
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, accompanied by senior security officials, visited Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, to assess the security situation and coordinate ongoing rescue efforts.
Security personnel have reportedly increased patrols within the community as investigations continue.
Fear Among Students and Parents
The attack has sparked fresh concerns among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders over the safety of candidates sitting for nationwide examinations.
Many residents expressed fears that continued attacks on schools could discourage students from participating in public examinations and disrupt academic activities.
Education advocates have renewed calls for stronger security measures around examination centres, particularly in areas vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Rescue Operation Still Ongoing
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies confirmed that operations remain active to rescue the remaining abducted victims.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and police say efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
What We Know So Far
- Gunmen attacked Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, Dekina LGA, Kogi State.
- The incident occurred during the ongoing NECO examination.
- Four NECO candidates were abducted.
- The school principal and one NECO ad hoc official were also kidnapped.
- One student has already been rescued.
- Police and other security agencies have launched an intensive rescue operation.
- The Commissioner of Police has visited the affected community.
- Investigations are ongoing, while security has been reinforced in the area.
The abduction of students during a national examination has once again exposed the serious security threats confronting Nigeria’s education sector. As rescue operations continue, parents, school administrators, and education stakeholders are hoping for the safe return of the remaining victims. Many Nigerians are also calling for stronger security around schools and examination centres to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
