Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor of Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, near Kabba Junction on the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, saw the assailants storm the school premises—an institution that also serves as an orphanage.
Gunmen reportedly fired sporadically before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
Residents said the incident began around 10:30 p.m, throwing the quiet community into panic.
“It was shocking. We started hearing gunshots from that area late in the night.
“This morning, we heard that the gunmen attacked the orphanage and school, abducting pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff,” a resident of a neighbouring village, who requested anonymity, said.
The state government has condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and avoidable.
In a statement issued on Monday, by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 15 of the abducted pupils had been rescued through the 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,” he said.
Fanwo added that security operatives, led by the Police and supported by other agencies, responded promptly, leading to the rescue of some of the victims.
He said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Fanwo commended the security agencies for their gallantry and swift coordination, noting that their response helped limit the scale of the attack.
He, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated locations, warning that such facilities are vulnerable to security threats.
“Operating orphanages and schools in remote areas without proper registration and notification to authorities poses serious risks, especially in the current security climate.
“Such practices not only undermine safety standards but also expose innocent children to avoidable dangers,” he said.
The Police Command in Kogi State is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to speak with command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages were not returned.
