At least 23 pupils have been abducted by gunmen following an attack on an unregistered orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, also saw the abduction of the wife of the proprietor of the facility.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government received reports of a security breach at the illegal facility located in an isolated area along the Kabba Junction.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” Fanwo stated.
He disclosed that the attack, which took place late on April 26, 2026, led to the abduction of 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor by unknown gunmen.
Fanwo added that security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force and other operatives, were immediately deployed to the scene upon receiving the report.
“Their prompt and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, while intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining 8 victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.
He commended the swift response of security operatives, describing their actions as gallant and professional.
“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he added.
The commissioner warned against the operation of schools, orphanages, and similar institutions in isolated areas without proper registration or notification to authorities, stressing that such practices pose serious security risks.
“While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations without proper registration poses serious security risks,” he said.
He urged operators of such facilities to comply with regulatory requirements and engage relevant agencies for proper oversight and security assessment.
Fanwo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, noting that security operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers.
“Security operations remain active, and every effort is being made to bring this situation under control,” he said.