Armed assailants have kidnapped 23 students and the wife of a school proprietor following a late-night raid on Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the premises on Sunday night, opening fire to create panic before taking the victims away to an undisclosed location. The school is said to also operate as an orphanage.
Residents disclosed that the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m., sending shockwaves through the quiet community. A local source recounted hearing multiple gunshots, with news of the abduction emerging by morning.
The Kogi State Government has condemned the incident, describing it as regrettable. In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, revealed that some of the abducted students had been rescued following swift action by security operatives.
Authorities said personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies responded promptly, helping to contain the situation, while ongoing efforts are being made to rescue those still in captivity.
The government also raised concerns about the proliferation of unregistered schools and orphanages in remote locations, noting that such institutions are often exposed to security threats. Operators were urged to comply with regulations and collaborate with authorities to enhance safety.
As at the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.