News
PHOTOS & VIDEO: No Ransom Or Negotiations – Gov Ododo Speaks After Dramatic Rescue of NECO Candidates in Kogi
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has once again made it clear that his administration will never negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, following the successful rescue of four people abducted from a suspected NECO examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area.
The governor made the declaration on Friday while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House in Lokoja. He praised the security agencies for their swift and coordinated operation, which led to the safe rescue of all four victims.
“I have said it before, and I want to repeat it: this administration will never negotiate with criminals or pay ransom. They may find their way into Kogi State, but they will not return the same way they came,” Ododo stated.
He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the support and resources needed by security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
“I want to thank Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for standing firmly behind our security agencies. We are committed to ensuring Kogi remains safe and we will not let him down,” the governor added.
Beyond the rescue operation, Governor Ododo directed authorities to launch a full investigation into why the NECO examination was conducted at an abandoned government secondary school that had previously been closed due to security concerns. He said the government wants to determine how the facility was approved and used as an examination centre.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, revealed that the rescued victims included the school principal, a NECO official, and two female examination candidates. According to him, sustained pressure from joint security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims, leading to their successful rescue.
The police further disclosed that the abandoned school was allegedly operating as an unauthorized special examination centre for 10 candidates. Preliminary investigations suggest the centre may have been used to facilitate examination malpractice.
Authorities say investigations are still ongoing, while security agencies continue efforts to arrest everyone connected to both the abduction and the alleged illegal examination centre.
SECURITY: GOV. ODODO RECEIVES RESCUED STUDENTS, NECO OFFICIALS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has received the students, NECO officials and the school principal rescued after they were kidnapped during an attack on an illegal… pic.twitter.com/yIYHT0qjvY
— Gomina Habib (@GominaHabib) July 17, 2026
FOLLOW US ON:
