Gunmen stormed a secondary school in Kogi State on Monday, abducting four students, the school principal, and a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor during ongoing examinations.
The attack occurred at the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Lokoja, the state capital. Witnesses said the armed men invaded the premises while students were writing their NECO papers. Panic spread across the school as the assailants seized their victims and fled.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about insecurity in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly during national examinations. Parents and guardians rushed to the school after hearing of the abduction, demanding swift action from authorities.
Police confirmed the attack and said efforts were underway to rescue the victims. The Kogi State Police Command assured residents that security operatives had been deployed to track the kidnappers.
A spokesperson for the command stated that tactical teams were working with local vigilantes to comb surrounding forests. He added that the police were committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted persons.
The abduction disrupted the ongoing NECO examination, leaving many students traumatised. Education officials expressed concern that such attacks could undermine the credibility of national assessments.
The Kogi State Government condemned the incident, describing it as an assault on education and the future of young Nigerians. Officials pledged to strengthen security around schools and examination centres across the state.
Community leaders also called for urgent measures to protect students and teachers. They urged security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
This latest abduction adds to Nigeria’s growing list of school-related kidnappings. In recent years, armed groups have targeted schools in several states, abducting students and staff for ransom.
Security analysts warn that the trend threatens Nigeria’s education system and discourages school attendance, especially in rural areas. They argue that without decisive action, the country risks setbacks in human capital development.
Parents of the abducted students appealed to the government to act quickly. “Our children went to school to learn, not to be taken away by criminals,” one parent said.
As of press time, the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown. Security forces continue their search, while families wait anxiously for news.
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved school security nationwide. Stakeholders insist that protecting students must become a top priority for both federal and state governments.
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