Gunmen have kidnapped 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor following an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.
Chronicle NG gathered that the attack occurred late Sunday and targeted a facility known as the Dahallukitab Group of Schools.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, confirmed the situation in a statement on Monday, saying security personnel responded quickly, resulting in the rescue of 15 of the abducted kids.
The commissioner revealed that the school was operating without regulatory control.
“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,” Fanwo said.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and arrest those 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,” he added.
Fanwo cautioned against operating schools and orphanages in remote places without formal authorization, calling such operations risky.
“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.
The commissioner also urged operators to comply with safety regulations.
“The government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” Fanwo said.
“All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”
The commissioner noted that security services are working to put the situation under control and that updates would be issued as operations progress.
