Gunmen have attacked Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the school principal, four students, and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member during an ongoing examination.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at approximately 5:25 p.m., while candidates were writing their NECO examination. According to reports, the armed attackers invaded the school premises, causing panic among students, teachers, and examination officials before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
The attack disrupted the examination process and has raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools and candidates sitting for national examinations in parts of the country.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that a joint security operation involving the police and other security agencies was immediately launched to track the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.
Police authorities disclosed that one of the abducted students has already been rescued during the ongoing operation, while efforts have been intensified to locate and free the remaining victims.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, was reported to have proceeded to the affected community alongside other senior security officials to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
According to the police, security operatives have expanded search operations across surrounding communities and forest areas where the kidnappers are believed to have fled. Authorities also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the security of schools in Nigeria, particularly during major national examinations when students and education officials gather in large numbers. In recent years, several schools across different states have experienced attacks by armed groups, prompting calls for stronger security measures to protect educational institutions.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the psychological impact such incidents could have on students preparing for important examinations. They argue that attacks on schools not only threaten lives but also disrupt learning and undermine confidence in the education system.
The Kogi State Government and security agencies have reassured residents that every effort is being made to rescue the remaining victims unharmed and bring those responsible to justice.
Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of hampering rescue operations, while encouraging anyone with credible intelligence to report it to the nearest security agency.
As investigations continue, parents, residents, and education stakeholders remain hopeful for the safe return of the abducted principal, students, and examination official.
Novex News will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.