Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor in a shocking attack on an orphanage and school facility in Kogi State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of children in vulnerable institutions across Nigeria.The incident occurred late on Sunday in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, the state capital, where the attackers stormed a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.
The school, which also served as an orphanage, is located in a remote and bushy environment, making it difficult for quick intervention and increasing the risks for those living there.According to information made available on Monday, the attackers invaded the premises under the cover of darkness, rounding up pupils and taking them away to an unknown destination.
The wife of the school proprietor was also kidnapped during the operation, leaving the facility in chaos and fear.However, in what officials described as a swift response, security operatives moved in quickly after receiving reports of the attack. Their intervention led to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, bringing some relief to families and residents in the area.
Despite this development, eight pupils and the proprietor’s wife are still being held by the kidnappers, and efforts are ongoing to secure their release.The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident in an official statement. He praised the efforts of security agencies, noting that their prompt action helped prevent a worse outcome.“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” Fanwo said.He added that security agencies are continuing operations to rescue the remaining victims and track down those responsible for the attack. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the situation under control.
Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, the state government raised serious concerns about the status of the school itself. According to the commissioner, the facility was operating without proper registration or approval from relevant authorities.“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 stated.This revelation has sparked wider concerns about unregulated schools and orphanages in Nigeria, particularly those located in isolated areas.
Such facilities often lack proper security measures and government oversight, making them easy targets for criminal activities, including kidnapping.Fanwo warned that operating schools or orphanages in such conditions poses serious risks, especially given the current security challenges facing many parts of the country. He stressed that the government cannot effectively protect institutions that operate outside its regulatory framework.“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,” he said.
He further urged operators of such facilities to comply strictly with government regulations and safety protocols. According to him, proper registration allows authorities to conduct security assessments, provide oversight, and respond more effectively in emergencies.“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” Fanwo added. “All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”
The attack in Kogi State is part of a growing pattern of kidnappings targeting schools and vulnerable groups in Nigeria. In recent years, several states have witnessed similar incidents, where gunmen abduct students for ransom. These attacks have forced some schools to shut down temporarily, while others have introduced stricter security measures to protect pupils.
Residents of the Zariagi area have expressed fear following the attack, with many calling for increased security presence in the community. Some parents have also raised concerns about the safety of children in boarding schools and orphanages, especially those located far from urban centres.A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as terrifying.
“We heard gunshots and people shouting. It was a very frightening experience. We are worried because this kind of thing is becoming too common,” the resident said.As the search for the remaining victims continues, the state government has promised to keep the public informed about developments.
Authorities are also urging citizens to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to improve safety.
Meanwhile, the incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of regulations governing schools and orphanages across the country. Stakeholders in the education and social welfare sectors are urging governments at all levels to identify and monitor such facilities, ensuring they meet minimum safety standards.
For now, families of the remaining abducted victims are anxiously waiting for good news, hoping that ongoing rescue efforts will lead to their safe return. The situation remains tense, but officials insist that they are doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that security remains a top priority. However, the latest attack serves as a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead in addressing insecurity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.As investigations continue, many Nigerians will be watching closely, hoping for the safe rescue of all victims and concrete steps to prevent another tragedy of this nature.