Gunmen have launched an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State commissioner for information and communications, said the incident happened on Sunday night.
According to him, the facility known as Dahallukitab Group of Schools was operating in a remote and bushy environment without proper registration with the state government or notification to relevant security agencies.
Fanwo said security operatives, including the police, were immediately deployed to the scene and successfully rescued 15 of the abducted pupils.
He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
He praised the swift response of the security agencies, describing it as professional and decisive.
“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry and swift response of the police and other security agencies in handling the situation,” he said.
He also warned against the operation of schools, orphanages and similar institutions in isolated areas without regulatory approval, noting that such actions expose vulnerable persons to security risks.
Fanwo stressed that the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of all abducted victims, adding that updates would be provided as operations continue.
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