Bandits Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Supervisor And Four Students

Bandits Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Supervisor And Four Students

Suspected bandits have abducted the principal of Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, a NECO supervisor, and four students after invading the school in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State during an ongoing NECO examination.

The attack reportedly occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday as students were writing their examination. According to residents, the heavily armed gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically before making their way into the school.

A community leader, Sunday Alkali, said the attackers initially retreated after noticing many residents outside but later returned, shooting indiscriminately and forcing everyone to flee. It was only after the gunfire stopped that residents discovered the school had been attacked, with examination papers scattered across classrooms and the school premises.

The abducted victims were identified as the school principal, Nyada Daniel, NECO supervisor Solomon Audu, and four students. Residents noted that the number of kidnapped students could have been higher if more candidates had been sitting for the examination at the time.

The kidnappers were said to have contacted some of the victims’ families, demanding huge ransom payments for their release.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said the principal, a NECO ad hoc staff member, and four students were abducted while the examination was in progress. The command disclosed that a joint team of security agencies immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation.

Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.