From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo has declared that his administration will never negotiate with criminals or pay ransom, expressing gratitude to security agencies for the rescued of four persons abducted from an unauthorized examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims who have just regain their freedom included, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Mr Daniel Iyanda; NECO official, Mr Solomon Peter; and two female candidates, Dorcas Sunday and Miss Dorcas, were rescued alive at about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday.
Ododo made declaration at a joint press briefing on Friday at Government House, Lokoja, attended by heads of all security agencies in the state.
“This incident came to us as a shock.
“Let me reiterate: we will never negotiate with criminals. We will never pay ransom. We will rid Kogi State of criminal elements*,” Ododo said.
He said education remains a top priority, with government paying both internal and external examination fees from primary to secondary school.
“It is painful that despite these efforts, some selfish elements exploited our system.
“Our findings show the centre was unauthorized and located in a school earlier shut down due to security concerns.
“The victims were external candidates, not on our government-sponsored register,” he stated.
The governor said investigation was ongoing and the report would be made public.
Ododo commended the security agencies and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for support.
“Nobody should live in fear. Kogi is safe. The manhunt continues and security agencies remain deployed in Dekina forests,” Ododo said.
The governor warned that all public examinations must be in approved centres, and the Ministry of Education will sanction operators of illegal centres.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Naziru Kankarofi, said the abduction occurred on Tuesday when armed men attacked the centre where NECO examination was being conducted for ten candidates.
“Immediately, I proceeded to the scene with the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, and State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate rescue operations,” Kankarofi said.
He said joint teams of Police, Army, DSS, NSCDC, vigilantes and hunters conducted bush-combing operations.
“At about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, all four victims were rescued alive and reunited with authorities. No life was lost,” he added.
The CP said investigation revealed the abandoned school was unlawfully used as a “special examination centre” and the classroom had a history of exam malpractice.
“Anyone found to have violated the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
Also present were Commander, 12 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi; Commander, NNS Lugard, Commodore Adesola Ojo; State Director of DSS; State Commandant of NSCDC; and Commander Omodara.
