The Kogi State Government has condemned the violent attack on an unregistered orphanage and school in Zariagi, near Lokoja, describing the incident as preventable and deeply troubling amid ongoing security concerns in the state.
Authorities disclosed that 15 pupils were successfully rescued following a swift response by security operatives, while efforts have intensified to locate and free others still unaccounted for after the invasion by armed assailants.
The facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was reportedly operating illegally in a secluded, bushy area without formal registration or the awareness of government regulators and security agencies, raising questions about oversight and safety compliance.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the attack occurred late on April 26, when gunmen stormed the premises, sparking panic and exposing the vulnerability of such isolated institutions.
Fanwo praised the prompt and coordinated action of security personnel, noting that their intervention helped limit casualties and ensured the rescue of several victims, even as operations continue to apprehend those responsible.
The government has since warned against the establishment of unregistered schools and orphanages in remote locations, stressing that such practices heighten security risks. It urged operators to comply with regulations and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring order across the state.
