The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of 15 pupils abducted from an unregistered orphanage and school facility in Zariagi.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja.
According to Fanwo, security operatives are still working to secure the release of the remaining victims, including the wife of the school proprietor.
He explained that the facility, Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy area along the Kabba Junction axis without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.
Fanwo said the attack occurred late on April 26, when gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.
“Security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded swiftly and successfully rescued 15 of the pupils,” he said.
He commended the gallantry and professionalism of the security personnel, noting that their coordinated response helped to limit the scale of the incident.
The commissioner, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered institutions in isolated locations, warning that such practices pose serious security risks.
“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Fanwo stated.
He urged operators of orphanages and schools to comply strictly with existing regulations and engage relevant authorities for proper security assessment and protection.
Fanwo reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that security operations are ongoing to fully restore normalcy in the area.
