Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor following an attack on a school and orphanage facility in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted Dahallukitab Group of Schools, triggering panic within the community and prompting a swift response from security agencies.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 15 of the abducted pupils had been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“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 disclosed that the facility was operating without official registration and was unknown to relevant authorities prior to the attack.
“The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” he stated.
Fanwo warned operators of schools and orphanages against siting facilities in isolated locations without proper approval, noting that such practices expose children and staff to serious security risks.
