The Kogi State Police Command says it has rescued 17 pupils after gunmen attacked an orphanage and school in the Zariagi area of Lokoja.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, said the incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday at Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution that also houses an orphanage.
According to the statement, armed attackers stormed the premises and abducted 26 people, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor, taking them to an unknown location.
Afusat explained that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division Lokoja quickly mobilised a joint team of security personnel to the scene for an immediate assessment.
He said the operatives promptly developed a response strategy and launched coordinated rescue efforts, leading to the successful recovery of 17 of the abducted pupils.
Rescue operations are ongoing, involving the police, military, and other security agencies, with intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims—seven pupils and the two wives of the proprietor.
Afusat also disclosed that the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the scene and directed the deployment of tactical teams to enhance bush-combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending those responsible.
The command assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity and urged residents to stay calm while cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information.
Residents were further advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the command’s emergency lines: 0703 832 9084 and 0815 219 5982.