Gunmen have attacked an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the school proprietor in a late-night raid.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
According to the statement, security operatives, including police personnel, swiftly responded to the attack and successfully rescued 15 of the abducted pupils at the scene.
Fanwo said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims, including the proprietor’s wife, while security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations.
He disclosed that the affected facility, Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to relevant state regulatory and security authorities.
“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.
He warned against the establishment and operation of schools, orphanages, and similar institutions in isolated locations without proper documentation and security clearance, noting that such practices expose residents to serious risks.
Fanwo assured that the government is taking steps to bring the situation under control and will continue to provide updates as rescue operations progress.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools and vulnerable communities in parts of the country, raising fresh concerns over safety in remote areas.