Fresh Attack Raises Questions About Security Around National Examinations
LOKOJA — Fear has once again gripped Nigeria’s education sector after heavily armed gunmen invaded a secondary school in Kogi State during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, abducting the school principal, a visiting examination official and four students.
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Witnesses said the attackers stormed the school while examination activities were underway, causing panic among candidates and teachers.
Security agencies immediately launched search-and-rescue operations while reinforcing security around neighbouring schools.
The latest incident comes amid renewed national concerns about attacks targeting educational institutions.
Education experts warn that repeated attacks risk undermining confidence in public education, particularly in rural communities where security presence remains limited.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to expand the Safe Schools Initiative, strengthen intelligence gathering around examination centres and increase collaboration between schools and local security agencies during national examinations.
Parents’ associations have also called for stronger emergency response protocols to protect students sitting high-stakes examinations.