The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 17 pupils following a late-night attack by gunmen on an orphanage and school facility in Lokoja.
According to police authorities, the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, at about 11:45 p.m., when armed men invaded the Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in the Zariagi area.
During the attack, a total of 26 persons—including 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor—were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
The police said a joint team of security operatives was immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call, leading to coordinated rescue efforts that successfully freed 17 of the victims.
Authorities added that tactical teams have been deployed to intensify bush-combing operations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
The attack has drawn concern from the Kogi State Government, which described the incident as unfortunate while warning against the operation of unregistered schools and orphanages in remote areas due to heightened security risks.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of those still in captivity and restore calm in the affected area.
Daily Times
