Panic swept through Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, after armed men invaded the school while students were writing the ongoing NECO examination, abducting the school principal, a NECO ad hoc official and four candidates. Police say one student has since been rescued while efforts continue to free the remaining victims.
What began as an ordinary examination session turned into a nightmare on Tuesday evening after heavily armed gunmen invaded a secondary school in Kogi State, disrupting the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination and whisking away students and school officials.
The attack, which occurred at about 5:25 p.m., has once again raised fresh concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, particularly as authorities continue efforts to curb kidnappings targeting educational institutions.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers stormed Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, while candidates were writing their examination.
In the confusion that followed, the gunmen abducted the school principal, one NECO ad hoc staff member and four students before fleeing the scene. Witnesses said the invasion caused panic among candidates, teachers and invigilators who scrambled for safety as the attackers escaped with their victims.
Police spokesperson ASP Salisu Oyiza confirmed the incident, stating that a joint team of police officers and other security agencies immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The command disclosed that one of the abducted students has already been rescued, while efforts have intensified to locate the remaining victims and track down those responsible for the attack.
The latest attack comes amid renewed national concern over the security of schools, especially during public examinations.
Although federal and state authorities have repeatedly pledged to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, attacks on educational institutions continue to expose students and teachers to significant risks, particularly in rural communities where security presence remains limited.
As security operatives continue combing surrounding communities in search of the abductors, anxious parents, teachers and residents are hoping for the safe return of those still in captivity. The incident is expected to trigger renewed debate over school security and the protection of candidates sitting for national examinations across Nigeria.