The Kogi State Police Command has verified the kidnapping of a school principal, one NECO ad hoc staffer, and four students participating in the current National Examinations Council exam at Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, within the Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The event took place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, around 5:25 p.m., as the school was assaulted while students were taking their exams.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Oyiza, indicated, “During the event, four students, the school principal, and one NECO temporary staff member were kidnapped by the assailants.
A joint team of police and various security agencies promptly initiated a search-and-rescue mission and is actively pursuing the attackers. Up to this point, one of the kidnapped students has been saved, and efforts continue to ensure the safe recovery of the other victims and capture the culprits.
She stated that the Commissioner of Police for Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, the Brigade Commander, and the State Security Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State were en route to the location for an immediate evaluation.
“A more comprehensive press release will be provided once further confirmed information is accessible,” she stated.
Our reporter learned that the body belonged to a Federal Road Safety Corps officer, Augustine Ikwue, who passed away in Lokoja and was being transported to Otukpo, Benue State, for interment.
ASP Oyiza, in reply to a question from our correspondent, verified the incident, stating that the body had been found and placed at the Elemona Mortuary in Ejule.
“The Command verifies that a kidnapping event took place on 9 July 2026 along the Ochadamu-Ejule Expressway when armed bandits struck a Hummer bus transporting a corpse from Lokoja to the eastern region of the country and took the passengers into the forest,” she stated.
She stated that after getting the report, police operatives, alongside the military, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and Community Policing members, quickly deployed to the area and started bush-combing and rescue efforts.
“The deserted car and coffin were retrieved, with the coffin being transported to Elemona Mortuary, Ejule,” the PPRO stated.
“Attempts are being made to save the victims and capture the offenders.” “We will share additional updates as new information emerges,” Afusat reassured the public.
