The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four people kidnapped during the recent attack in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims, identified as a school principal, a NECO official and two students, regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation launched by the state government.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered an immediate rescue mission after the abduction.
According to him, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to coordinate a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Fanwo explained that sustained pressure from security personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee the forest.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, rtd, to coordinate the rescue operation. 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 said.
