Gunmen Abduct 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife In Kogi School Attack

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Armed attackers have kidnapped 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor after storming an orphanage and educational facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, in a late-night raid on Sunday.

The incident was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed that the targeted institution, identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools, is located in a remote bush area.

According to Fanwo, preliminary investigations revealed that the school was not registered with the state government and had not been properly documented by relevant authorities or security agencies before the attack.

Security operatives, including police personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene following reports of the abduction. Their intervention led to the rescue of 15 of the kidnapped pupils shortly after the incident.

He added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims still in captivity, while security agencies continue to track the armed men responsible for the attack.

“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” Fanwo said.

The commissioner also used the opportunity to warn against the establishment and operation of schools, orphanages, and similar institutions in isolated areas without proper government approval, noting that such practices expose children and staff to avoidable security threats.

“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 and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he said.

He further urged compliance with regulatory guidelines, stressing the importance of proper oversight and coordination with government agencies.

“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” he added.

Fanwo advised operators of private institutions to engage relevant authorities to ensure proper security assessment and monitoring, noting that this would help prevent future incidents of this nature.

Security agencies have since intensified operations in the area, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack.

Authorities say investigations are continuing as the state government and security forces work to restore safety and prevent further breaches in vulnerable communities.

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