Suspected bandits attacked an unregistered orphanage and school in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting 23 pupils and the proprietor’s wife, with security operatives rescuing 15 of the victims.
The Kogi State Government condemned the attack as a serious security breach, while security agencies launched rescue operations to free the remaining eight victims and track down the abductors.
Authorities identified the facility, Dahallukitab Group of Schools, as an illegal institution operating in a remote area without registration or the knowledge of government and security agencies.
The government commended the swift response of the Nigeria Police and other security operatives, saying their coordinated efforts helped reduce the scale of the incident and led to multiple rescues.
It also warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated locations without proper registration, stressing the need for compliance with safety regulations amid ongoing efforts to secure the remaining victims.