Kogi Secondary School Sees Principal, NECO Supervisor, Students Kidnapped Mid-Exam

An armed group of bandits launched an attack on Government Secondary School (GSS) Opada-Olowa, located in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, during an ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination. The incident, which took place around 5:25 p.m. on July 14, 2026, resulted in the abduction of four students, the school's principal, and a NECO ad hoc staff member, causing widespread panic among those present.

Following the brazen invasion, a joint operation involving various security forces was immediately activated to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims. Security sources have confirmed that one of the abducted students has since been successfully recovered, with intensive efforts ongoing to secure the release of the remaining individuals. The combined security team is currently engaged in extensive bush-combing operations, intelligence gathering, and surveillance across the affected region to pinpoint the abductors' hideout and ensure the safe return of those still held captive.

Mr. Sunday Alkali, a prominent community leader, recounted how residents were relaxing outdoors when the gunmen suddenly appeared. He stated, "The gunmen seemed surprised to see many people outside at that time of the day and initially retreated. They later returned, shooting indiscriminately, forcing everyone to flee for safety." Residents indicated that it was only after the gunfire subsided that they realised the school had been targeted. Another resident mentioned, "We initially did not know what the gunmen were after. After the shooting stopped, some of us went to the school and found examination papers scattered across classrooms and the school premises. There were no students or school officials in sight."

The victims were later identified as Mr. Nyada Daniel, the school principal; Mr. Solomon Audu, the NECO supervisor; and four students. Community members observed that the number of students abducted could have been significantly higher, but only a limited number of candidates were taking Literature in English at the time, unlike core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics which typically draw larger attendance. Reports also emerged on Tuesday evening that the kidnappers had established contact with some relatives of the victims, demanding substantial ransom for their freedom. "At least four families have received calls from the abductors demanding huge sums of money for the victims’ freedom," Alkali alleged.

A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed the ongoing search, stating, "As I speak with you, soldiers, policemen, vigilantes and hunters are combing the surrounding forests in search of the kidnappers." The Kogi State Police Command corroborated the incident, confirming the abduction of the principal, a NECO ad hoc staff, and four students during the examination. ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command's spokesperson, stated, "A combined team of the Police and other security agencies immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and is currently on the trail of the assailants." She added, "So far, one of the abducted students has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators." According to Afusat, the Commissioner of Police for Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, along with the Brigade Commander and the State Security Adviser to the Governor, were en route to the scene for an immediate assessment. She concluded by stating that a more comprehensive statement would be issued once additional verified information becomes available.