At least 23 pupils have been kidnapped by armed men during an attack on an unregistered school and orphanage facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government, through its Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident, stating that the facility, known as Dahallukitab Group of School, was allegedly operating without official registration or approval in a remote and insecure location.
According to authorities, the attack occurred on April 26, 2026, when gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils along with the wife of the school proprietor.
Security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, immediately launched a rescue operation. Officials confirmed that 15 of the abducted pupils have already been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers.
The state government commended the swift response of security operatives and reiterated concerns about the dangers of operating schools and similar institutions in isolated areas without proper registration or security clearance.
Authorities warned that such unregulated facilities pose serious risks, especially amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the country, and urged compliance with official safety and regulatory requirements.
The government also assured residents that coordinated security operations are still active and that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
This latest incident comes shortly after another kidnapping case on the Ayere–Kabba road, where security forces also conducted rescue operations following an armed attack on a commercial vehicle.
