Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor of Dahallukitab Group of Schools in Zariagi, near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Residents say the attack, which occurred around 10:30pm on Sunday, saw the assailants storm the school premises—an institution that also doubles as an orphanage—firing sporadically before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination, adding that the incident has thrown the otherwise quiet community into panic.
“It was shocking. We started hearing gunshots from that area late in the night,” a resident of a neighbouring village, who requested anonymity, said.
“By morning, we heard the gunmen had attacked the orphanage and school, abducting pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff.”
The Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and preventable.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 15 of the abducted pupils had been rescued through the swift intervention of security agencies.
“The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils alongside the wife of the proprietor,” the statement said.
Gamow added that security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded promptly, leading to the rescue of some victims, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He commended the security agencies for their gallantry and coordination, noting that their response helped limit the scale of the attack.
The government also raised concerns over the proliferation of unregistered schools and orphanages in remote locations, warning that such facilities are particularly vulnerable to security threats.
“Operating orphanages and schools in isolated areas without proper registration and notification to authorities poses serious risks, especially in the current security climate,” the statement added.
“Such practices not only undermine safety standards but also expose innocent children to avoidable dangers.”
The state government urged operators of similar institutions to comply with regulatory requirements and engage relevant authorities for security assessment and protection.
The Kogi State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sail Oyiza Afusat, have been unsuccessful.
