Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Gunmen have stormed an orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State, kidnapping 23 pupils including the wife of a school proprietor.
The attack, which occurred late on Sunday, targeted the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, throwing the community into panic and prompting a swift response from security agencies.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives moved in quickly after the incident and rescued 15 of the abducted pupils.
He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and 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,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner revealed that the school was operating without official registration and outside the knowledge of relevant state 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,” he stated.
Fanwo cautioned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated locations without proper authorisation, stressing that such practices expose children and staff to grave security risks.
