Gunmen have abducted eight pupils and the wife of a school proprietor following an atack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a privately run institution identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools, located in a remote part of the community.
Authorities confirmed that a total of 23 pupils were initially taken during the ആക്രമation, but swift intervention by security operatives led to the rescue of 15 of the victims.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, commending security agencies for their prompt response.
“Security operatives acted swiftly, and their efforts led to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils,” Fanwo said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Operations are continuing to ensure the rescue of the remaining eight victims and the arrest of those behind this unfortunate incident,” he stated.
The commissioner also revealed that the affected school was operating illegally, without registration or oversight from the state government.
“The facility was located in a remote, bushy environment and was not registered with the appropriate authorities, nor known to relevant government and security agencies,” he said.
Fanwo warned that operating schools or orphanages in isolated areas without proper approval exposes occupants to serious security risks, particularly given the current security challenges in parts of the country.
“Establishing such facilities in vulnerable locations without regulatory compliance poses grave dangers to children and caregivers,” he cautioned.
He urged proprietors of schools and similar institutions to adhere strictly to government regulations and ensure adequate security arrangements.
“All operators must engage with the relevant authorities for proper oversight, security assessment, and protection of lives,” he added.
