The Kogi State Government has announced that 15 pupils abducted from an unregistered orphanage/school facility in Zariagi have been rescued.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday in Lokoja.
Fanwo said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims, including the proprietor’s wife.
“The facility, known as Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy area along the Kabba Junction axis without any registration or notification to the authorities.
“The attack took place on the night of April 26 when gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils along with the proprietor’s wife.
“Security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded swiftly and rescued 15 of the pupils,” he said.
Fanwo commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of the security operatives, noting that their coordinated response significantly reduced the impact of the attack.
The government expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered institutions operating in isolated areas, warning that such setups pose serious security risks.
“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Fanwo said.
He urged operators of orphanages and schools to strictly comply with existing regulations and engage relevant authorities for proper security assessment and protection.
Fanwo reaffirmed the government’s “uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property.”
He added that security operations are still ongoing to bring the situation under full control.
