Lokoja, Kogi State – Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has unequivocally reaffirmed his administration’s stringent policy of refusing to negotiate with criminals or pay ransom to kidnappers, a stance underscored by the recent successful rescue of four individuals abducted from a NECO examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area. The governor’s declaration came on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, where he officially received the freed victims, who had been violently seized on Tuesday during an attack on an unauthorized examination venue located at the abandoned Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, within Dekina LGA.
Details of the Abduction and Swift Rescue Operation
The distressing incident unfolded on Tuesday, July 14, when armed assailants stormed the makeshift examination centre, disrupting the ongoing National Examination Council (NECO) examination. The attackers, later identified as kidnappers, abducted four individuals: Elder Daniel Iyanda, the school principal; Mr. Solomon Peter, a NECO official; and two female candidates, identified as Miss Dorcas Sunday and another student also named Miss Dorcas. The brazen attack sent shockwaves through the community, raising immediate concerns about the safety of students and the integrity of public examinations, particularly in remote areas.
Upon receiving reports of the abduction, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, swiftly mobilised a robust response. He immediately led a joint assessment team to the scene on July 14, accompanied by key security figures including the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, and the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd). This rapid deployment highlighted the state’s commitment to a coordinated security approach.
Following the initial assessment, additional tactical teams, advanced intelligence assets, and operational personnel were promptly deployed across the vast and challenging terrain. Joint security operatives, comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and experienced hunters, launched extensive bush-combing operations. These operations spanned deep into the forests and across neighbouring communities, creating immense pressure on the abductors.
The sustained and relentless operational pressure mounted by the joint security forces proved decisive. According to CP Kankarofi, the kidnappers, unable to withstand the continuous pursuit and the shrinking window of escape, were ultimately compelled to abandon their victims. The four abductees were successfully rescued alive on Thursday evening, specifically at about 7:45 p.m. on July 16 (which, though stated as 2026 in the original report, is contextually understood to be 2024, aligning with current events). This swift resolution, occurring within 48 hours of the abduction, was a significant victory for the state’s security apparatus and a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.
Governor Ododo’s Unwavering Stance Against Criminality
Addressing the press and the rescued victims, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s iron-clad policy on security. "I have said it before, and I want to reiterate that this administration will never negotiate with criminals or pay ransom. They may come into our state, but they will not return to where they came from," the governor declared with firm resolve. This statement underscores a consistent policy adopted by the Kogi State government, mirroring the federal government’s broader strategy to discourage kidnapping by making it an unprofitable venture for criminal elements.
The governor commended the various security agencies for their coordinated and efficient operations, describing the rescue as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the state. He specifically lauded the dedication and bravery of the police, military, and local security outfits.
Governor Ododo also extended his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the necessary logistical and strategic support to security agencies operating in Kogi State. He assured the President that Kogi State would continue to justify the confidence reposed in its leadership and security forces. "I want to commend Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for giving us all the support needed to defeat insecurity. We will not disappoint him in Kogi State," he affirmed, pledging the state’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order.
The Controversy of the Unauthorized Examination Centre
Beyond the immediate triumph of the rescue, a more troubling aspect of the incident emerged: the highly irregular circumstances surrounding the examination centre itself. Governor Ododo, visibly concerned by preliminary findings, ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances that led to the conduct of a crucial NECO examination at an abandoned school.
According to the governor, initial intelligence indicated that the Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, had been officially shut down by the state government precisely because of its remote location and significant security concerns. He questioned the rationale behind using such a compromised facility for a national examination. "I await the outcome of the investigation to determine why the principal decided to take only 10 students to an isolated location for the examination," he stated, hinting at potential administrative negligence or misconduct.
CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi corroborated these concerns, revealing that investigations had uncovered that the examination was indeed conducted at a government school previously shut down due to security risks. He further disclosed that intelligence available to the police indicated that the abandoned premises had been unlawfully converted into a "special examination centre" for a mere 10 candidates sitting the ongoing NECO examination. This highly irregular arrangement immediately raised red flags regarding adherence to standard examination protocols and safety guidelines.
Adding another layer of complexity to the scandal, CP Kankarofi disclosed that investigators were actively probing allegations that some individuals had facilitated the illegal use of the abandoned facility despite its closure. Disturbingly, there were also claims that the classroom at this specific location had gained notoriety as a venue for examination malpractice, suggesting a deeper network of irregularities. The police commissioner issued a stern warning: "Anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status or position, will be arrested and prosecuted." He emphasized that public examinations must only be conducted in approved and secure centres, declaring any arrangement that exposes candidates and officials to avoidable danger as "unacceptable."
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Persistent Kidnapping Epidemic
The incident in Dekina LGA, while successfully resolved, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent and pervasive challenge of kidnapping for ransom that continues to plague various parts of Nigeria. From the northern states grappling with banditry and mass school abductions to sporadic incidents in the southern regions, insecurity remains a significant concern for citizens and the government alike. The targeting of schools and students has become a particularly disturbing trend, with numerous high-profile cases capturing national and international attention over the past decade.
The federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has consistently maintained a hardline stance against negotiating with criminals and paying ransom, aligning with Governor Ododo’s policy. This approach is rooted in the belief that paying ransoms only incentivises further abductions, thereby perpetuating the cycle of violence and criminality. However, implementing this policy effectively requires robust intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities, and sustained operational pressure on criminal networks, as demonstrated in the Kogi State rescue.
Kogi State, strategically located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and bordering several other states, faces unique security challenges. Its vast landmass and intricate network of forests and rivers often provide hideouts and transit routes for criminal elements. Governor Ododo’s administration has made security a cornerstone of its governance, investing in security infrastructure, strengthening community policing initiatives, and fostering stronger collaboration among various security agencies. The success of this rescue operation is seen as a validation of these concerted efforts and a signal to criminals that Kogi State is not a safe haven for their activities.
Implications for Education and Security Architecture
The Dekina incident carries significant implications for both the educational sector and the broader security architecture of Kogi State and Nigeria. For examination bodies like NECO, it highlights the critical need for stringent oversight of examination centres, particularly in rural or remote areas. The practice of converting abandoned or unapproved facilities into examination venues, especially under suspicious circumstances, poses severe risks not only to the safety of students and officials but also to the credibility and integrity of the entire examination process. This incident will likely prompt a review of NECO’s protocols for approving and monitoring examination centres, with a renewed emphasis on security assessments and adherence to established guidelines.
For school authorities, the incident underscores the profound responsibility they bear for the safety and well-being of their students. The principal’s decision to conduct an examination at a known security risk location raises serious questions about professional conduct and accountability. This will undoubtedly lead to calls for enhanced training for school administrators on security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response planning.
More broadly, the incident reinforces the importance of community engagement in security efforts. The collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilantes and hunters proved crucial in the rescue operation. This synergy, leveraging local knowledge and terrain familiarity, is often vital in combating insecurity in rural settings. The state government’s commitment to supporting and integrating these local defence mechanisms will continue to be a key strategy.
Victims’ Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Speaking separately after their ordeal, the rescued victims expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ododo and the various security agencies for their swift intervention and professional conduct. They attributed their freedom to the prompt and decisive response of the rescue team, highlighting the relief and gratitude felt after their terrifying experience.
However, in line with ongoing investigations, the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanda, and the NECO official, Mr. Solomon Peter, prudently declined to comment on the legality or circumstances surrounding the examination centre. They stated that investigations were ongoing and that making statements at that stage could potentially prejudice the outcome. This decision reflects the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the administrative aspect of the incident.
CP Kankarofi assured residents that efforts were still underway to track down and apprehend all those responsible for the abduction. He urged examination bodies, school authorities, and members of the public to fully cooperate with investigators, providing any information that could assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing future occurrences.
In conclusion, the successful rescue of the four abductees from Dekina LGA is a significant victory for the Kogi State government and its security agencies, validating the "no ransom" policy and demonstrating effective inter-agency collaboration. However, the accompanying revelations about the unauthorized examination centre expose critical lapses in administrative oversight and highlight the multifaceted challenges of insecurity and governance that Nigeria continues to confront. The ongoing investigations are expected to not only bring the kidnappers to justice but also to address the systemic issues that allowed a national examination to be conducted in such a precarious and potentially compromised environment. Governor Ododo’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to securing the lives and property of its citizens, while also ensuring accountability across all sectors.
