By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils from an unregistered orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.
The attack also saw the wife of the proprietor taken.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, at the Dahallukitab Group of School, which was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government or notification to relevant authorities and security agencies.
Confirming the security breach on Monday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said preliminary findings showed the facility was located in an isolated area along the Kabba Junction, making it vulnerable.
Upon receiving reports of the attack, security agencies led by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other operatives, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
Their prompt and coordinated response resulted in the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.
Fanwo stated that intensive operations are still underway to secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims and to apprehend the perpetrators.
He commended the gallantry and professionalism of the police and other security agencies for their decisive action.
The state government has reiterated its full commitment to rescuing all the victims while stressing the serious security risks posed by operating orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated locations without proper registration and oversight.
Fanwo strongly discouraged such practices and advised all operators of similar facilities to engage with appropriate government agencies for necessary regulatory compliance, security assessments, and protection.
The Kogi State Government reassured citizens of its uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property, adding that security operations remain active and further updates will be provided as
the situation develops.
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