Kogi announces rescue of kidnapped victims in Dekina

From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja

Kogi State government has announced the rescue of the four persons kidnapped during the recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the state. 

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday evening, described the rescue as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, immediately after the incident.

According to him, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.

“The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued. 

“Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims. 

“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.

“Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.

“We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks,” the statement read.