Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the release of others still in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped late on April 26 when armed men invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along the Kabba Junction axis.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Afusat, disclosed in a statement that 26 persons, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school proprietor, were initially taken by the assailants.
She explained that the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Lokoja, swiftly mobilised a joint security team, leading to the successful rescue of 17 victims.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives comprising the police, military and other agencies to ensure the safe return of the remaining nine victims,” she stated.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene and ordered the deployment of tactical teams for intensive bush combing, surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to rescuing the remaining victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice, while urging members of the public to provide credible information.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and preventable.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security operatives responded promptly, leading to the rescue of several victims, with efforts ongoing to free those still held.
He, however, raised concerns that the school was allegedly operating in a remote location without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities, warning that such facilities pose significant security risks.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent challenge in parts of the country, with schools and rural communities increasingly targeted due to their vulnerability.
