The Nigerian Army has explained why troops arrived late after gunmen attacked a school in Kogi State. According to the military, the examination centre was located in a remote area, making it difficult for soldiers to reach the scene quickly.
The Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Monde, spoke to journalists on Thursday at Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area. He said troops received the distress call at about 4 p.m. during the attack.
Monde explained that soldiers could not locate the school immediately. A community member eventually guided them to the examination centre.When the troops arrived, the gunmen had already escaped. Soldiers found examination papers scattered across the classrooms.Monde said the scene confirmed that an attack had taken place. He added that troops quickly entered the surrounding bush to search for the kidnappers.Security personnel also blocked suspected escape routes. The operation is still ongoing.
The army said the kidnappers took away four people. They include two students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor.Monde disclosed that the abductors have already contacted authorities. Security agencies are tracking the calls to determine their location.He expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued safely.
The attack happened during the ongoing NECO examinations. The centre reportedly served external candidates and was described as a “miracle centre.”The Kogi State Government questioned the use of the examination centre. Officials said it did not meet the state’s security requirements.The government also confirmed that two of the affected candidates were external students writing their examinations at the centre.Security agencies have continued searching nearby forests and communities. Investigators are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Nigerian Army says it remains committed to rescuing the victims and bringing the kidnappers to justice.
