Kogi School Attack: Security Forces Rescue 17 Pupils, Nine Remain Captive
By Wellington Jopelo
Tension gripped parts of Kogi State after gunmen stormed an Islamic school in Lokoja over the weekend, abducting dozens of pupils in a late-night attack that has raised fresh security concerns.
The incident occurred around 11:45pm on Saturday at Daarul Kitab School, located in Zariagi along the NNPC Road axis of Kabba Junction in Lokoja. The school, which also serves as an orphanage, was reportedly targeted by armed men who took away students and others on the premises.
Security sources confirmed that a total of 26 persons, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor, were initially kidnapped during the operation.
Swift response by security agencies, however, led to the rescue of 17 victims shortly after the attack. According to the police, a joint team involving multiple security units was mobilised immediately, improving the chances of recovery.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Afusat, said efforts are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining nine victims, noting that coordinated operations are being intensified across surrounding areas.
In a show of urgency, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene and ordered widespread bush combing, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to track down the attackers and locate the victims.
Authorities have also appealed to residents to support ongoing operations by providing useful and timely information that could aid the rescue mission.
Reacting to the development, the state government condemned the attack, describing it as deeply troubling. Officials acknowledged the quick intervention of security operatives but stressed the need for preventive measures.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, raised concerns about the location and status of the school, noting that it was allegedly operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to authorities.
He warned that such facilities, especially those situated in isolated environments, are increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks and urged operators to comply with government regulations.
The incident adds to the growing list of abductions across parts of the country, where schools and rural communities remain soft targets for criminal groups.
As rescue operations continue, families and residents remain anxious, hoping the remaining victims will be returned safely while security agencies work to prevent further attacks.