Gunmen have abducted 23 children and the wife of a school proprietor following an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja.
The incident occurred late Sunday at a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications of Kogi State said security operatives responded swiftly to the attack, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted children.
According to him, efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 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 also disclosed that the facility was allegedly operating outside regulatory oversight.
“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 said.
Fanwo warned against operating schools, orphanages and similar institutions in isolated locations without proper authorisation, describing the practice as dangerous in the current security climate.
“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 added.
He urged operators of such facilities to comply strictly with government regulations 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,” Fanwo said.
He added that security agencies were working to bring the situation under control and assured residents that further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
