Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered a large-scale security operation to rescue four people abducted from Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The operation follows Tuesday's attack on the school by suspected gunmen, who initially abducted five people.
One victim has since been rescued, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining four.
Those still in captivity are the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Solomon Audu; and two female NECO candidates, including one identified as Dorcas Sunday.
The state government said the operation is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, with support from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security agencies.
According to the government, advanced surveillance technology is also being deployed to aid the rescue effort.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Femi Fanwo said security agencies were making "encouraging progress" in the operation.
"The Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime," Fanwo said.
The government said preliminary findings indicate the examination centre, located in a remote area, was allegedly being used as a "miracle centre" for external candidates.
It added that the examination arrangements did not align with the state's security framework for the ongoing NECO examinations.
However, the government stressed that the circumstances surrounding the examination centre do not lessen its responsibility to protect all residents and visitors.
"The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue," the statement added.
The government said it would withhold further operational details to avoid compromising the rescue mission and urged residents of Olowa and nearby communities to provide credible information to security agencies.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, saying security operations will continue until the victims are safely reunited with their families and those responsible are brought to justice.
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