The Kogi State Government has confirmed the abduction of 24 individuals, including 23 pupils, from an orphanage facility in the state, following an attack by suspected gunmen.
According to authorities, the incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the premises of the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, located in a remote area. Among those abducted was the wife of the proprietor of the facility.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the attack as both unfortunate and avoidable, revealing that the orphanage was operating without official registration or the knowledge of relevant authorities.
He disclosed that a coordinated response by security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, led to the rescue of 15 of the abducted victims. Efforts, he added, are ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Fanwo commended the swift intervention of security agencies, noting that their prompt action helped limit the scale of the incident. He, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered institutions in isolated areas, warning that such practices expose vulnerable children to significant risks.
The state government urged operators of orphanages and schools to comply with regulatory requirements and engage authorities for proper security assessments.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that operations are underway to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
