It was a dark Sunday in Kogi as about  23 pupils have been reportedly  abducted by gunmen during an attack on an “unregistered” orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, area of the state.

According to reports, the wife of the proprietor was also abducted.

the Commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday.

He said that the state government received reports of a security breach at an unregistered orphanage and school facility located in an isolated area of Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.

“The unfortunate incident, which occurred late on April 26, 2026, involved the abduction of 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor by unknown gunmen,” Fanwo said.

He disclosed that upon receiving the report, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security operatives, swiftly mobilised to the scene, leading to the rescue of 15 of the pupils.

“Their prompt and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, while intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining 8 victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion.

“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.

The commissioner also said that the government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols.

He, therefore, advised all operators of such facilities to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.

“The Kogi State Government reassures citizens of its uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

“Security operations remain active, and every effort is being made to bring this situation under control. Further updates will be communicated as necessary,” Fanwo added.

The incident comes two weeks after the Kogi State Police Command launched a massive search-and-rescue operation following a kidnapping incident on the Ayere–Kabba Road.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on April 13, 2026, when armed hoodlums intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus.

The vehicle, operated by a transport company, was said to be traveling from Lagos to Abuja when it was attacked in the Kabba Local Government Area.

The police said that following a swift, coordinated response from security forces, one passenger was successfully rescued, while the transport vehicle had since been recovered and moved to a police facility for forensic examination.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, also confirmed the arrest of the suspects in connection with the attack.