Kogi school attack: 17 pupils rescued, nine still in captivity

In a significant development, security forces in Kogi State have successfully rescued 17 pupils who were abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja. The operation, which involved a joint team of police, military, and other security agencies, marks a crucial step in addressing the recent wave of kidnappings targeting educational institutions in Nigeria. The abduction occurred on Saturday night when armed assailants invaded the Daarul Kitab School, an institution that also houses an orphanage.

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Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives, comprising the police, military, and other security agencies, to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims.

While the rescue of 17 pupils is a welcome relief, the situation remains tense as nine other victims, including two wives of the school proprietor, are still in captivity. The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State has personally visited the scene and ordered extensive bush-combing operations and intelligence gathering to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages and bring the perpetrators to justice. The command has urged the public to provide any credible information that could aid their efforts.

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The state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, has since visited the scene and ordered the deployment of tactical teams for bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance.

The Kogi State Government has condemned the attack, emphasizing its unfortunate and avoidable nature. The Commissioner for Information raised a critical concern regarding the school's alleged operation in a remote area without proper registration or notification to authorities. This highlights a broader security challenge in Nigeria, where unregistered or poorly secured institutions in isolated locations can become vulnerable targets for criminal elements. The government's warning serves as a stark reminder to all school and orphanage operators to adhere strictly to security regulations and registration protocols, especially in the current climate of heightened insecurity.

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The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators, urging the public to provide credible information.

This incident underscores the persistent threat of kidnapping for ransom, a major security challenge plaguing parts of Nigeria. The targeting of schools, religious institutions, and rural communities reflects the vulnerability of these locations. The ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible are paramount, and the public's cooperation is vital in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

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He, however, raised concerns that the school was allegedly operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.