Gunmen abduct 24 pupils from Islamic School in Kogi
Terrorists have invaded Daarul Kitab, an Islamic school and orphanage in Kogi State, abducting 24 pupils and two relatives of the school’s proprietor, in one of the latest attacks targeting vulnerable institutions in Nigeria.
The incident, reported by Premium Times, occurred late on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Zariagi, a suburb of Lokoja, the state capital.
According to police authorities, the attackers stormed the school at about 11:45 p.m., overpowering the area and seizing 26 people in total. The victims include 24 pupils and two wives of the school’s proprietor, identified as Mohammed Tajudeen.
The assault was confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command through its spokesperson, who said security agencies were alerted shortly after the incident and immediately mobilised to the scene.
The school, located along the NNPC Road axis near Kabba Junction, is described as an ইসলামic learning centre that also functions as an orphanage, making the victims particularly vulnerable.
Rescue efforts underway
Security operatives, including the police and military, launched a coordinated rescue operation following the attack. Initial efforts have yielded some success, with at least 17 of the abducted pupils rescued shortly after the incident.
However, authorities confirmed that several victims remain in captivity, including seven pupils and the two relatives of the school proprietor. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with additional tactical teams deployed to comb surrounding forests and track the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State has reportedly visited the scene and ordered intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to secure the safe release of the remaining victims.
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The Kogi State Government also confirmed the attack, raising concerns about the operational status and location of the school. Officials disclosed that the facility was operating without proper registration and was situated in a remote, bushy area, making it susceptible to attacks.
Authorities warned that unregulated schools and orphanages located in isolated environments pose significant security risks, especially amid rising insecurity in parts of the country. The government urged proprietors of educational and care institutions to comply with safety and regulatory requirements.
Rising insecurity in North-Central Nigeria
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-Central region, particularly in Kogi State, where incidents of kidnapping and armed violence have become increasingly frequent.
Recent reports indicate a pattern of attacks along key transport routes and rural communities, with armed groups targeting civilians for ransom or strategic leverage.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the Daarul Kitab attack, security analysts point to the presence of multiple armed actors in the region, including criminal bandits and extremist factions linked to insurgent networks.
The abduction underscores a troubling trend of attacks on schools across Nigeria. Over the past decade, educational institutions—particularly in northern and central regions—have increasingly become targets for kidnappers seeking ransom payments or publicity.
Such incidents have forced temporary school closures in some areas and heightened fears among parents and communities about the safety of children in educational facilities.
Ongoing operations and public appeal
Security agencies continue efforts to locate the attackers and rescue the remaining victims. Authorities have appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist in tracking the perpetrators.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for improved security infrastructure, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where institutions like schools and orphanages remain exposed to attacks.
With operations ongoing, officials say their immediate priority is the safe recovery of those still in captivity, while broader measures are expected to be considered to prevent similar incidents in the future.
