Kogi Police intensify hunt for suspects behind the Dekina school attack as Governor Ododo reiterates the state's no-ransom policy.
LOKOJA, KOGI STATE — Security agencies in Kogi State have intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects behind the recent attack on Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area, as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to a strict no-ransom policy in the fight against kidnapping.
The latest development follows the successful rescue of the school's principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor and students who were abducted when gunmen invaded the school during an ongoing examination.
Authorities say investigations have made significant progress, with police identifying those believed to have carried out the attack.
The Kogi State Police Command disclosed that investigators have identified individuals linked to the school invasion and are closing in on the criminal network responsible.
Security operatives are conducting intelligence-led operations across identified locations as efforts continue to arrest the suspects and dismantle the gang.
Police have urged residents to remain calm and continue providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Officials, however, declined to reveal the identities of the suspects to avoid compromising security operations.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said his administration would not negotiate with kidnappers or encourage ransom payments.
Receiving the rescued victims, the governor commended security agencies for their swift response and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening security across the state.
According to him, rewarding criminal groups with ransom payments only encourages further kidnappings and undermines efforts to combat organised crime.
He assured residents that the government would continue investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response capabilities to protect lives and property.
The attack occurred while students were writing their National Examinations Council (NECO) papers.
Armed men reportedly stormed the school, creating panic among candidates and teachers before abducting the principal, a NECO supervisor and several students.
The incident sparked nationwide concern over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
The victims were later rescued during coordinated security operations.
Following the incident, allegations emerged on social media suggesting that the affected school operated as a so-called "miracle examination centre."
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed the claims.
According to the examination body, Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa is a duly recognised examination centre, noting that the Kogi State Government paid examination fees for 51 eligible candidates sitting for the examination at the school.
NECO described reports suggesting examination malpractice as misleading and urged the public to rely on verified information.
The Dekina attack has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of schools across Nigeria's Middle Belt.
Education stakeholders say attacks on schools have consequences that extend beyond the immediate victims.
They disrupt learning, create psychological trauma, discourage school attendance and undermine public confidence in the education system.
Security experts continue to advocate stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, including:
Improved security around rural schools.
Emergency communication systems.
Community intelligence networks.
Regular security patrols during national examinations.
Closer collaboration between schools and security agencies.
The Kogi incident is part of a wider pattern of insecurity affecting educational institutions across North Central Nigeria.
In recent weeks:
Communities in Benue State have witnessed repeated attacks that displaced thousands of residents.
Plateau State continues to battle renewed assaults on rural communities.
Niger and Kwara states are also confronting kidnapping and organised criminal activities.
Security analysts warn that unless proactive measures are taken, criminal groups may increasingly view schools as vulnerable targets.
Education remains one of the strongest foundations for long-term development.
When schools become targets of violence, communities suffer far beyond the immediate attack.
Children lose access to learning, teachers work under fear, parents become reluctant to send their children to school and rural development slows significantly.
Protecting schools is therefore essential to safeguarding both human capital and national development.
The successful rescue of the abducted victims demonstrates that intelligence-led security operations can produce meaningful results when agencies coordinate effectively.
However, preventing future attacks requires more than reactive operations.
For Kogi and the wider Middle Belt, strengthening school security must become a strategic national priority. Rural schools should no longer be viewed solely as educational institutions but as critical public infrastructure deserving the same level of protection as hospitals, government facilities and major transport corridors.
The Dekina incident serves as another reminder that securing education is inseparable from securing the future of the Middle Belt.
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