GUNMEN suspected to be bandits have invaded an orphanage and school in Kogi State, abducting dozens of pupils and sparking widespread fear, as authorities intensify rescue efforts and raise fresh concerns over the safety of vulnerable institutions in remote areas.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident occurred at Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, a settlement near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area, where 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor were taken during the late-night attack.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the premises on Sunday night, firing sporadically before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination. The institution, which doubles as an orphanage, was thrown into chaos as the gunmen carried out the operation.
Residents of the area said the attack began at about 10:30 p.m., shattering the calm of the community and sending panic across nearby settlements.
“It was shocking. We started hearing gunshots from that area late in the night,” a resident of a neighbouring village, who requested anonymity, said.
“This morning, we heard that the gunmen attacked the orphanage and school, abducting pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff,” the resident added.
Reacting to the development, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and avoidable, while confirming that security agencies had already made significant progress in rescue operations.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that 15 of the abducted pupils had been rescued following swift intervention by security operatives.
“The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils alongside the wife of the proprietor,” the statement said.
Fanwo further explained that security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded promptly, leading to the successful rescue of some victims.
He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of those still in captivity, assuring that security forces remain on the trail of the abductors.
The commissioner commended the gallantry and coordinated response of the security agencies, noting that their swift action helped to limit the scale of the attack and prevent further casualties.
However, the state government expressed deep concern over the increasing number of unregistered schools and orphanages operating in isolated locations, warning that such facilities are highly vulnerable to security threats.
“Operating orphanages and schools in remote areas without proper registration and notification to authorities poses serious risks, especially in the current security climate,” the statement added.
“Such practices not only undermine safety standards but also expose innocent children to avoidable dangers,” it stressed.
The government consequently urged operators of similar institutions to comply strictly with regulatory requirements and engage relevant authorities for proper security assessment and protection.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to her phone were not returned.