Gunmen raided an unregistered orphanage in Kogi State, central Nigeria, and kidnapped at least 23 children late Sunday, authorities confirmed on Monday. Security forces later rescued 15 children, while eight remain missing as search operations continue.
Rescue efforts recover part of abducted group
Officials said the attackers struck the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, located in an isolated area of state capital Lokoja. In response, security agencies launched a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of several victims shortly after the abduction.
Moreover, authorities confirmed that the wife of the orphanage proprietor was also kidnapped during the raid. Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo stated that intensive efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining children and arrest the perpetrators.
However, officials did not immediately disclose the ages of the abducted children. They also noted that the facility operated without official registration, describing it as illegal and situated in a remote bush area outside regulatory oversight.
Security challenges intensify nationwide concerns
Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity driven by armed gangs, insurgent groups, and communal violence. In addition, rural areas with limited state presence remain particularly vulnerable to attacks and kidnappings.
Furthermore, the north-central region, including Kogi, has experienced repeated assaults on schools and remote settlements in recent months. Similar incidents in nearby states have also been attributed to armed groups, including jihadist factions.
Consequently, authorities have intensified security operations aimed at curbing mass abductions, which have become a recurring tactic used for ransom and leverage. Despite these efforts, challenges persist as armed groups exploit weak enforcement in isolated regions.
