LOKOJA, Nigeria — Suspected bandits abducted 23 pupils and a woman from a school facility in Kogi State late on Sunday, April 21, 2026, with security agencies rescuing 15 of the children, officials said.
The attack occurred in Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja, at a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.
Authorities said the abducted woman is the wife of the school’s proprietor.
In a statement on Monday, April 27, 2026, Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the facility was operating without registration and outside the knowledge of relevant authorities.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Security agencies led by the Nigeria Police Force launched a search operation following the incident, resulting in the rescue of 15 pupils.
Efforts are continuing to locate the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible.
The state government commended the security personnel for what it described as a swift and coordinated response.
Government Raises Concerns Over Facility
Officials said preliminary findings indicated that the school was located in a remote area and had not been registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Fanwo described the incident as a serious breach of security and warned against the operation of schools and orphanages in isolated locations without proper oversight.
“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” he said.
Call for Compliance
The government urged operators of similar institutions to comply with regulatory requirements and engage with authorities for security assessments.
It also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to restore security and secure the release of the remaining victims.
Authorities said operations remain active in the area as investigations continue.
