Gunmen have kidnapped 23 schoolchildren and the wife of the proprietor from an orphanage home in Kogi State. The attack occurred late on April 26, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed the premises of the school facility in Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja.........…
The Kogi State government, through Kingsley Fanwo, ... the State Commissioner for Information, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, describing it as unfortunate and avoidable.
Fanwo said that though the orphanage home was not registered with the state government, it has, however, commenced a rescue operation, which has led to the rescue of 15 of the 24 abductees.
”Fifteen pupils have been rescued following the swift intervention of security agencies, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“The facility, identified as the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy location without registration with the state government or the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.
”The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils, alongside the wife of the proprietor.
“Security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State and supported by other agencies, have responded promptly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the victims.”
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of the security agencies, noting that their swift and coordinated response significantly curtailed the attack’s impact.
While assuring that efforts are being intensified to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators, the government raised concerns over the proliferation of unregistered institutions in isolated locations.
He warned that operating orphanages and schools in vulnerable areas without proper registration and notification to authorities poses significant security risks, particularly in the current security climate…....…
