The Kogi State Government has disclosed that two of the National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates abducted in the state were writing their examinations at what it described as a “miracle centre,” as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining victims.
The revelation came amid ongoing rescue operations following the abduction of six students who were reportedly travelling to sit for the NECO examination.
According to the state government, preliminary investigations indicated that two of the abducted candidates had enrolled to write the examination at an unauthorised “miracle centre” rather than at their registered schools.
In Nigeria, the term “miracle centre” is commonly used to describe illegal examination centres where candidates allegedly engage in organised examination malpractice.
The government condemned the use of such centres, warning that they undermine the integrity of public examinations and expose students to unnecessary risks.
State officials said security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining four abducted candidates, following the earlier recovery of two victims.
They assured families of the affected students that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe return of those still in captivity.
The government also urged residents to provide credible intelligence that could assist security operatives in tracking down the kidnappers and preventing similar incidents.
Authorities stressed the need for parents, school proprietors and examination candidates to comply with approved examination guidelines by avoiding unauthorised centres.
They noted that patronising illegal examination centres not only encourages malpractice but may also increase students’ vulnerability to criminal activities due to the often remote or poorly regulated locations where such centres operate.
The abduction has renewed concerns over the security of students and candidates travelling for public examinations, prompting calls for stronger collaboration between education authorities and security agencies.
Stakeholders have also renewed demands for stricter enforcement against operators of illegal examination centres, arguing that eliminating such facilities would help safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s education system while reducing risks faced by students.
As security operations continue, the Kogi State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.
The incident has once again highlighted the twin challenges of insecurity and examination malpractice, with authorities emphasizing the need for coordinated action to protect students and uphold the integrity of the country’s examination process.
