No fewer than 23 pupils have been abducted by gunmen following an attack on an unregistered orphanage and school in the Zariagi area of Lokoja.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, also saw the abduction of the proprietor’s wife, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the North-Central state.
Confirming the development, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government received reports of a security breach at the facility located in a remote area along Kabba Junction.
According to him, preliminary findings revealed that the institution, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally without registration or the knowledge of relevant authorities.
“The unfortunate incident involved the abduction of 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor by unknown gunmen,” Fanwo said.
He disclosed that security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly responded to the situation, resulting in the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.
“Intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he added, commending the efforts of security operatives for their prompt intervention.
Fanwo, however, warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper registration, noting that such practices pose serious security risks.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and restore normalcy.
