Armed attackers have invaded a school and orphanage in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, kidnapping 23 pupils and the wife of the school proprietor in a late-night assault that has deepened concerns over security in the region.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, a privately owned institution situated in a quiet and heavily vegetated area. Eyewitness accounts suggest the assailants arrived in large numbers, overwhelming the facility and carrying out the abduction with little resistance.
After taking the victims, the attackers fled through nearby forest routes believed to be commonly used for escape and concealment.
Security operatives were quickly alerted and launched a coordinated rescue mission across surrounding communities and forested terrain. Their efforts resulted in the recovery of 15 abducted pupils, who were safely rescued and placed under protection.
However, eight children are still unaccounted for, and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to locate them and apprehend those responsible.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies have been deployed to ensure the remaining victims are rescued without delay. Officials also disclosed that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the perpetrators.
Preliminary findings have raised concerns about the regulatory status of the school, with authorities indicating that the institution may not have met full approval requirements. This has sparked renewed discussions about monitoring and oversight of private educational facilities, especially those located in remote areas.
The attack adds to growing worries over school-related kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where security presence is limited. Residents have called for stronger protection measures for schools and vulnerable institutions.
Security agencies have assured the public that operations are ongoing and that every effort is being made to rescue the remaining children and bring those behind the attack to justice.
