Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor in a late-night attack on an educational facility in Kogi State, sparking renewed concerns over the safety of schools in vulnerable communities.
The incident occurred on Sunday night in Zariagi, a settlement near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly stormed the premises of Dahallukitab Group of School—an institution that also serves as an orphanage—at about 10:30 p.m., firing gunshots before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.
Residents described scenes of panic as the quiet community was jolted by the sound of gunfire. One eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We started hearing gunshots late in the night. By morning, we learned that pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff had been taken.”
The Kogi State Government confirmed the attack and condemned it as both “unfortunate and avoidable.” In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, authorities disclosed that security operatives had successfully rescued 15 of the abducted pupils.
According to the statement, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other units, responded swiftly to the incident. The coordinated effort, officials said, helped reduce the scale of the tragedy and led to the safe recovery of some victims.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees, including the proprietor’s wife and other individuals still in captivity. Authorities have not disclosed whether any contact has been established with the kidnappers or if ransom demands have been made.
The government also used the opportunity to raise concerns about the operation of unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated areas. Officials warned that such facilities are particularly vulnerable to attacks, especially amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
“Operating institutions in remote locations without proper registration and engagement with authorities poses serious risks,” the statement noted, urging compliance with regulatory frameworks to enhance safety and security.
As of the time of reporting, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful.
The attack adds to a growing list of incidents targeting schools and vulnerable communities across parts of Nigeria, underscoring persistent security gaps. Analysts warn that without sustained and proactive measures, such attacks could continue to threaten access to education and community safety.
For now, families of the victims and residents of the area remain in anxious anticipation, hoping for the safe return of those still held captive as security operations continue.
