The Kogi government says 15 pupils abducted from an unregistered orphanage/school facility in Zariagi have been rescued.

This was disclosed in a statement by the commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday.

Mr Fanwo said that efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims, including the proprietor’s wife.

“The facility, Dahallukitab Group of School, operated illegally in a remote, bushy location along the Kabba Junction axis without registration or notification to authorities.

“The attack occurred late April 26, when gunmen stormed the premises and whisked away 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.

“Security operatives led by the Nigeria Police Force, backed by other agencies, responded promptly, rescuing 15 pupils,” he said.

Mr Fanwo commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of the operatives, saying their coordinated response significantly curtailed the impact.

The government raised concerns about unregistered institutions operating in isolated areas, warning that such institutions pose “serious security risks” in the current environment.

“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Mr Fanwo said.

He urged the operators of orphanage homes and schools to comply strictly with existing regulations and to engage authorities for proper security assessments and protection.

He reaffirmed the government’s “uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property”.

He added that security operations remain active to bring the situation under full control. 

(NAN)