Kogi Government Confirms Rescue of All 23 Abducted Orphanage Victims

The Kogi State Government has announced the safe rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja.

Gunmen had attacked the orphanage on April 26, abducting 23 pupils along with the wife of the orphanage’s proprietor. The government initially confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security operations across the state.

The remaining nine victims regained their freedom during a rescue operation carried out in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army led the coordinated search-and-rescue mission with support from other security agencies.

The operation took place in the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area, resulting in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females. The rescued victims have been taken to a military medical facility, where they are receiving medical care and attention.

Governor Ahmed Ododo praised the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and bravery. He also commended the victims and their families for their resilience throughout the traumatic experience.

The governor reaffirmed that the safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of his administration. He pledged to continue strengthening the state’s security architecture, deepening intelligence gathering, and supporting security agencies to act swiftly and decisively.

Governor Ododo further appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to sustain security and stability in Kogi. He reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and other violent criminal activities.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing future attacks. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.