Kogi Gunmen Abduct 23 Pupils, Wife Rescued 15

KOGI STATE, Nigeria – Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area along the Kabba Junction axis in Lokoja, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the school proprietor in a daring late-night operation.

NaijaChoice News reports that the attack targeted the Dahallukitab Group of Schools (also referred to as Daarul Kitab School in some accounts), an unregistered facility operating in a remote, bushy environment in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred late on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when unidentified gunmen invaded the premises around 11:45 p.m., whisking away the victims into the surrounding bushes.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, April 27, 2026, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

Fanwo disclosed that the facility was operating illegally without registration with the state government or notification to relevant authorities and security agencies.

“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.

He added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims, including the proprietor’s wife, and to apprehend 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,” the commissioner stated.

Fanwo described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, warning operators of schools and orphanages against establishing facilities in isolated areas without proper authorisation.

“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 emphasised.

The commissioner further urged strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols.

“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols. All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”

Security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other operatives, are intensifying efforts to bring the situation under full control, with further updates expected as operations and investigations continue.

This abduction adds to the growing concerns over banditry and kidnapping incidents targeting soft targets like schools and orphanages in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where remote and unregulated facilities have repeatedly come under attack.