The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of 15 pupils following an attack by suspected gunmen on an orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja.
The incident, which occurred late on Sunday, saw the assailants invade the premises and abduct 23 pupils alongside the wife of the school proprietor.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the attack as both unfortunate and avoidable.
He said the rescued victims were freed following a swift response by security operatives led by the Nigeria Police Force, with support from other agencies.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Fanwo identified the facility as Dahallukitab Group of Schools, alleging that it was operating illegally in a remote and isolated location without proper registration or the knowledge of relevant authorities.
He commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, noting that their coordinated efforts helped to minimise the impact of the attack.
The commissioner, however, raised concerns over the proliferation of unregistered schools and orphanages in vulnerable locations, warning that such practices pose serious security risks.
He urged operators of educational and welfare institutions to comply with regulatory requirements and notify authorities of their operations to enhance security oversight, especially in the prevailing security situation.
