Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration's firm stance against negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransom, even as he celebrated the successful rescue of four victims abducted during an attack on a National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area. Receiving the rescued victims at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday, July 17, 2026, the governor declared that the rescue operation would not halt the ongoing manhunt for those behind the attack. "There is no room for ransom or negotiation with criminals in Kogi State. Our approach remains to strengthen security operations, protect lives and ensure those who commit crimes are apprehended and prosecuted," he stated.
The victims—comprising the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanda; a NECO official, Mr. Solomon Peter; and two female candidates, Miss Dorcas Sunday and another Miss Dorcas—were abducted on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by gunmen who stormed the Government Secondary School in Olowa Agbajo while the examination was in progress. Hours after the kidnappers made contact, demanding a ransom of N10 million, a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ododo led to their rescue. The police commissioner, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, revealed that the victims were rescued alive at about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, following sustained operational pressure that forced the abductors to abandon them.
Governor Ododo commended the security agencies for their coordinated efforts and praised President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary support. "We are grateful to God that all the victims were rescued alive, but the operation is not over. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law," the governor said. He further hinted at possible local collaboration, stating, "We cannot rule out local collaboration. Criminals do not operate in isolation. Anyone found to have assisted them in whatever form will equally face the law".
The governor also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the use of the abandoned Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, as an examination centre. Preliminary findings indicated that the school had been shut down earlier by the state government due to its isolated location and security concerns. The police have launched an investigation into allegations that the abandoned premises was unlawfully converted into a "special examination centre," noting that the classroom had become notorious for examination malpractice. "Anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status or position, will be arrested and prosecuted," the police commissioner warned.
While the rescue has brought relief, Governor Ododo's declaration underscores a zero-tolerance policy toward criminality in the state. "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," he declared. The victims have since been reunited with their families.
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