Kogi Government Says Abducted NECO Candidates Were Writing Exams at Alleged Miracle Centre

Kogi Government Says Abducted NECO Candidates Were Writing Exams at Alleged ‘Miracle Centre’

The Kogi State Government has revealed that two of the candidates abducted during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations were reportedly sitting for their exams at what officials described as an alleged “miracle centre.” The disclosure comes as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims abducted during the attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The incident has not only renewed concerns about insecurity in schools but has also sparked fresh debate over the continued existence of illegal examination centres across Nigeria.

The attack occurred when armed gunmen stormed the examination centre during the NECO examination and abducted several individuals, including students and school officials. Among those kidnapped were: The school principal. The NECO examination officer. Four students.

The incident caused panic within the community and raised fresh concerns about the safety of candidates writing public examinations in parts of the country. Security agencies immediately launched a rescue operation while the Kogi State Government assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the safe release of the victims.

Following preliminary investigations, the Kogi State Government disclosed that the examination centre was allegedly operating as a “miracle centre.” According to government officials, the two female candidates who were abducted were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa. Authorities also stated that the examination arrangements allegedly did not comply with the state’s approved security framework for conducting public examinations.

The government said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the operation of the examination centre are continuing.

In Nigeria, the term “miracle centre” is commonly used to describe examination centres where candidates allegedly receive unauthorized assistance during public examinations or where examination rules are not properly enforced. Such centres have remained a major concern for examination bodies, including NECO, WAEC, and JAMB, which have repeatedly warned against examination malpractice. Officials have consistently pledged to identify and sanction schools and centres found to be involved in such activities.

Despite the findings, the Kogi State Government emphasized that its immediate priority remains the safe rescue of everyone still being held by the abductors. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to sustain coordinated operations aimed at locating the victims and bringing the kidnappers to justice. Authorities say multiple security agencies are working together as part of an ongoing search-and-rescue mission. The government has also urged residents to provide useful information that could assist security personnel.

The government’s disclosure has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some people believe the revelation exposes the need for stricter regulation of examination centres, others argue that the circumstances under which the victims were writing their examinations should not distract from the criminal nature of the abduction.

Education stakeholders have also called for stronger oversight of examination centres while stressing that every victim deserves protection regardless of where they were sitting for their examinations.

The incident once again highlights the growing security challenges facing educational institutions across parts of Nigeria. Stakeholders continue to advocate for: Improved security around schools. Better protection during public examinations. Stronger intelligence gathering. Elimination of illegal examination centres. Enhanced collaboration between education authorities and security agencies.

Many believe these measures are essential to protecting students, teachers, and examination officials from future attacks.

                   You can also read;

Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Examination, Abduct Four Students, Principal and Exams Officer

Makinde Seeks UN Probe Into Oyo School Abduction, Calls for Independent International Investigation

They Killed Our Colleagues to Pressure Government” – Rescued Oyo Principal Recounts 56 Days in Captivity

The Kogi State Government’s statement that the abducted NECO candidates were writing examinations at an alleged miracle centre has added a new dimension to an already disturbing school kidnapping case. While investigations into the examination centre continue, authorities maintain that rescuing the abducted victims remains the government’s highest priority.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the dual challenges Nigeria faces—combating insecurity while strengthening the integrity of its educational system.