The Kogi State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who abducted six persons during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination at a school in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims include four students, the school principal and a NECO ad hoc staff member.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to her, the attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday while students were still writing their examination.
Saliu said a combined team of police personnel and other security agencies was immediately mobilised and had commenced efforts to track down the assailants.
“So far, one of the abducted students has been rescued. Efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” she said.
She added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi; the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi; and the Security Adviser to the Governor, retired Commander Jerry Omadara, were heading to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
The police spokesperson assured parents and residents that all necessary resources had been deployed to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
She added that a more detailed statement would be released as soon as further verified information becomes available.
