Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have successfully rescued 17 pupils who were abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, as security agencies intensify efforts to free those still in captivity.
The incident occurred late on Saturday night, around 11:45 p.m., when gunmen reportedly stormed Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Saliu Afusat, a total of 26 individuals including 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor were initially abducted during the attack.
She explained that following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division in Lokoja quickly mobilised a joint security team. The coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 17 of the victims.
“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,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi, has since visited the scene and directed the deployment of tactical teams to carry out bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations aimed at tracking down the abductors.
Authorities have reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice, while also urging members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the operation.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and preventable.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, noted that security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of several victims, while operations to secure the release of others continue.
He also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the school’s operation, stating that it was allegedly located in a remote area without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.
Fanwo warned that unregistered schools and orphanages operating in isolated locations pose serious security risks, particularly in the current environment, and urged operators to comply with regulatory requirements.
