The Kogi State Police Command on Monday said it had rescued 17 pupils abducted by gunmen who attacked an orphanage and Islamic school in the Zariagi area of Lokoja.
The victims were among 26 persons reportedly kidnapped during the late-night raid on Daarul Kitab School, an institution that also houses an orphanage.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, the attack occurred around 11:45pm on Sunday when armed men stormed the premises and whisked away 24 pupils alongside two wives of the school proprietor.
Afusat said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division, Lokoja, swiftly mobilised a joint team of security operatives to the scene following a distress call.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO immediately led a team for an on-the-spot assessment. The operatives mapped out strategies and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” the statement read.
He disclosed that the efforts had so far led to the successful rescue of 17 pupils, adding that operations were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives comprising the police, military and other agencies, with intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining seven pupils and two wives of the proprietor,” Afusat added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, was said to have visited the scene of the incident, where he ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams.
The police chief directed sustained bush-combing operations, enhanced intelligence gathering and increased surveillance aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and preventing further attacks.
The command reassured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It also urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to support ongoing operations by providing credible information to security agencies.
The latest incident underscores growing concerns over the security of schools and vulnerable institutions in parts of the country, particularly in the North-Central region.
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