Gunmen Kidnap 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife in Kogi Orphanage Attack, 15 Rescued

Gunmen Kidnap 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife in Kogi Orphanage Attack, 15 Rescued

Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor after attacking an orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, on the outskirts of Lokoja, in Kogi State, in what authorities describe as a major security breach.

The late-night нападение on Sunday targeted the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, a facility reportedly operating as both a school and orphanage. Witnesses said the assailants stormed the premises under the cover of darkness, firing shots to scare residents before forcefully taking the victims into nearby forests.

Confirming the incident, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 abducted pupils, while eight victims, including the proprietor’s wife, remain in captivity.

Fanwo disclosed that preliminary findings revealed the institution was operating without government approval, raising concerns about compliance with safety and regulatory standards. According to him, the facility was located in a remote and bushy area, making it vulnerable to attacks and difficult for authorities to monitor.

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Security sources believe the attackers are part of armed criminal groups known to exploit forest routes across the region. Such groups have increasingly targeted schools, orphanages, and rural communities for kidnappings, often demanding ransom.

The Kogi State Government praised the swift intervention of security agencies, noting that their response helped prevent further casualties and ensured the rescue of several victims. Authorities have since intensified search-and-rescue operations across surrounding forests, with a focus on securing the safe return of those still held captive.

Fanwo warned operators of private schools and orphanages against running facilities in isolated locations without proper registration and oversight, describing such practices as dangerous given the current security challenges in Nigeria. He urged strict adherence to government regulations, including security assessments and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He added that the government remains committed to rescuing all victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice, assuring the public that updates will be provided as operations continue.

Gunmen Kidnap 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife in Kogi Orphanage Attack, 15 Rescued