The Kogi State Police Command on Monday said it had rescued 17 pupils following the abduction of 26 persons during a late-night attack on the Dahallukitab Group of Schools in Lokoja.
The incident occurred at about 11:45 p.m. on April 26, 2026, when gunmen invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along the NNPC Road, Kabba Junction area of Lokoja.
According to police authorities, a total of 26 persons were initially abducted, including 24 pupils and students, as well as two wives of the school’s proprietor, Mallam Mohammed Tanko Tajudeen. The command stated that 17 victims have so far been rescued, while seven students and two additional wives of the proprietor remain in captivity.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the scene shortly after the incident and ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams.
The police said intensified bush combing operations, intelligence gathering, and surveillance efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as both unfortunate and avoidable.
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In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government revealed that the facility, identified as the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was allegedly operating illegally in a remote and bushy area without proper registration with the state government or the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.
Fanwo commended security operatives for what he described as gallantry and professionalism, noting that their swift and coordinated response helped limit the scale of the attack.
While assuring that efforts are being intensified to rescue those still held by the kidnappers and bring the perpetrators to justice, the government expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered institutions in isolated locations.
He warned that establishing orphanages, schools, and similar facilities in vulnerable areas without due registration and notification to authorities poses serious security risks, especially under the current security climate.
“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” the commissioner stated.
The state government urged operators of schools and orphanages to strictly comply with existing regulations and engage appropriate authorities for security assessments and necessary protection.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the government assured residents that security operations remain active and that decisive steps are being taken to restore full control of the situation.