Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, as security agencies step up efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
The pupils were kidnapped late Saturday night when armed men invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Afusat, disclosed in a statement that a total of 26 persons—24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor—were initially taken by the attackers.
She explained that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division, Lokoja, promptly mobilised a joint security team, which led to the successful rescue of 17 victims.
According to Afusat, operations involving the police, military, and other security agencies are ongoing to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene and directed the deployment of tactical teams for bush combing, intelligence gathering, and enhanced surveillance.
The police command assured residents that efforts are being intensified to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the operation.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and preventable.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, resulting in the rescue of several victims, while efforts continue to free others still in captivity.
He also expressed concern that the school was allegedly operating in a remote location without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities, warning that unregulated institutions in isolated areas pose significant security risks.
Fanwo urged operators of schools and orphanages to comply with government regulations, especially in the face of growing insecurity.
Kidnapping for ransom continues to pose a serious challenge in parts of Nigeria, with schools, religious centres, and rural communities increasingly targeted due to their vulnerability.
