Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Students

Gunmen on Tuesday invaded Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the school principal, four students, and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official while candidates were sitting the ongoing NECO examinations.

The attack, which occurred at about 5:25 p.m., sent panic through the school as the armed assailants reportedly stormed the premises and whisked away the victims before security personnel could respond.

Security sources said the attackers fled to an unknown destination, prompting an immediate security response.

A joint team of security operatives has since launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying intelligence assets and combing surrounding forests and hideouts in an effort to locate the abductees.

Encouragingly, one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Security agencies have also intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering across the area as investigations continue, with authorities expressing optimism that the perpetrators will be tracked down and brought to justice.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the safety of schools and examination centres in parts of the country, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.