Troops rescue 15 pupils abducted in Kogi orphanage home, 8 still in captivity

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 15 pupils abducted by criminals from an unregistered orphanage/school facility in Zariagi, Kogi State.

Gunmen had on Sunday stormed the facility and abducted 23 pupils.

They also took away the wife of the school proprietor.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims.

He said: “The facility, Dahallukitab Group of School, operated illegally in a remote, bushy location along the Kabba Junction axis without registration or notification to authorities.

“The attack occurred late April 26, when gunmen stormed the premises and whisked away 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.

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“Security operatives led by the Nigeria Police Force, backed by other agencies, responded promptly, rescuing 15 pupils.”

The commissioner commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of the operatives, saying their coordinated response significantly curtailed the impact.

The government raised concerns over unregistered institutions running in isolated area.and warned that such setups pose “serious security risks” in the current environment.

“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Fanwo added.

He urged operators of orphanage homes and schools to comply strictly with existing regulations and engage authorities for proper security assessment and protection.

He reaffirmed government’s uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state.

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