Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor of Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, a settlement near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, saw the assailants storm the school premises, an institution that also serves as an orphanage, firing sporadically before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
Residents said the incident began around 10:30 p.m., throwing the quiet community into panic.
A resident of a neighbouring village, who requested anonymity, said the incident was shocking, noting that gunshots were heard from the area late at night.
The resident added that by morning, it was confirmed that gunmen had attacked the orphanage and school, abducting pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff.
The Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and avoidable.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 15 of the abducted pupils had been rescued through the intervention of security agencies.
Fanwo said the incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils along with the proprietor’s wife.
He added that security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of some victims.
Efforts, he said, are ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He commended security agencies for their gallantry and coordination, noting that their response helped reduce the scale of the attack.
The government also expressed concern over the increasing number of unregistered schools and orphanages in remote areas, warning that such facilities are vulnerable to attacks.
Fanwo stated that operating schools and orphanages in isolated locations without proper registration and notification to authorities poses serious risks, especially in the current security climate.
He added that such practices undermine safety standards and expose children to avoidable dangers.
The state government urged operators of similar institutions to comply with regulations and engage relevant authorities for proper security assessment and protection.
