Security operatives in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, while efforts continue to secure the release of other victims still in captivity.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when armed men invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along the NNPC Road, Kabba Junction, around 11:45pm.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Afusat, a total of 26 persons were initially kidnapped during the attack. The victims included 24 pupils and two wives of the school proprietor.
She explained that a swift response by a joint security team led to the rescue of 17 of the abducted victims shortly after the incident.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives, comprising the police, military, and other security agencies, to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims,” she said.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene and directed the deployment of tactical teams to comb nearby forests and intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Security agencies say operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and ensure the safe return of all remaining victims.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and preventable.
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The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security operatives responded promptly, leading to the rescue of several victims, while efforts were being sustained to free the others still missing.
He also raised concerns about the school’s location, alleging it was operating in a remote area without proper registration or prior notification to relevant authorities.
Fanwo warned that unregistered institutions situated in isolated areas pose serious security risks and urged operators of schools and orphanages to comply with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Kidnapping for ransom continues to pose a major security challenge in parts of the country, with schools and rural communities increasingly becoming targets of armed groups.
