Gunmen Abduct Pupils in Kogi School Attack, Security Forces Rescue 15 Victims

Panic and fear gripped residents of Adavi Local Government Area in Kogi State after suspected bandits attacked a school and orphanage, abducting several pupils and staff members in a late-night raid.

The incident occurred at Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, a community near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road. According to local accounts, the attackers stormed the premises around 10:30 p.m., firing gunshots to create chaos before whisking away their victims to an undisclosed location.

Authorities later confirmed that 23 pupils and the wife of the school proprietor were initially taken during the attack. The development sent shockwaves through the community, with residents describing the incident as both terrifying and deeply unsettling.

A local resident recounted hearing sustained gunfire late into the night, only to wake up to news that the school—also serving as an orphanage—had been targeted. The attack highlights ongoing security concerns in parts of the country, particularly along major transit routes.

In a positive turn, the Kogi State Government announced that security operatives had successfully rescued 15 of the abducted pupils. The rescue effort, carried out through a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, is being seen as a critical step in mitigating the impact of the incident.

Speaking on the situation, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims still in captivity. He assured the public that security agencies are intensifying operations to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

While the partial rescue offers some relief, the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups and the urgent need for strengthened security measures to protect vulnerable communities, especially schools and children.

As search and rescue efforts continue, families and residents remain hopeful for the safe return of those still missing, even as the state grapples with the broader challenge of insecurity.