Blessing Bello, Reporting
LOKOJA – Security forces have rescued 15 pupils after heavily armed gunmen stormed an orphanage and school in Zariagi, near Kabba Junction in Lokoja, late on April 26, the Kogi State Government confirmed on Monday.
The attackers reportedly abducted 23 pupils along with the wife of the proprietor during the brazen raid on the facility.
Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the rescue in a statement, crediting what he described as “swift, coordinated efforts” by security operatives.
“Security operatives acted promptly, and their coordinated efforts led to the safe rescue of 15 pupils,” Mr Fanwo said.
He added that operations were under way to free the remaining victims and to apprehend those behind the attack.
The commissioner identified the facility as Dahallukitab Group of Schools and alleged that it was operating illegally. He warned that unregistered institutions sited in remote areas posed a significant security risk.
“The school was reportedly running illegally in a secluded area without the knowledge of relevant authorities, which exposed it to security threats,” Mr Fanwo stated.
He praised the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their rapid response and cautioned against establishing unregistered schools and orphanages in vulnerable, isolated locations. The manhunt for the abductors continues.
