OFFICERS of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State successfully rescued 17 pupils who were abducted during the incident, which occurred on Saturday at about 11:45 p.m. when gunmen stormed Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.
According to statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, the attackers invaded the premises under the cover of darkness, abducting a total of 26 persons, including 24 pupils and two wives of the proprietor.
Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said a coordinated response by security agencies led to the rescue of several victims.
She explained that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division, Lokoja, swiftly mobilised a joint security team, which resulted in the successful rescue of 17 of the abducted individuals.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives, comprising the police, military, and other security agencies, to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims,” Afusat stated.
In a further response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene of the incident and ordered the deployment of tactical teams to carry out bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and rescuing those still in captivity.
The police command reassured residents that sustained efforts are underway to secure the freedom of the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and avoidable, while commending the swift response of security operatives that led to the rescue of some victims.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, noted that although progress had been made, efforts were still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
He, however, expressed concern over reports that the school was operating in a remote location without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.
Fanwo warned that unregistered schools and orphanages situated in isolated areas pose significant security risks, particularly given the prevailing security challenges, and urged operators to comply with regulatory requirements to ensure adequate protection.
The incident underscores the persistent challenge of kidnapping for ransom in parts of Nigeria, where schools, religious institutions, and rural communities have increasingly become targets due to their vulnerability.
