The Kogi State Government has confirmed the safe rescue of all 23 victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, marking a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against violent crime.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, who said the remaining nine victims were freed during a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of the day. The operation was carried out in the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with support from other security agencies.
Five boys, two girls, and two adult females were recovered during the mission and have since been evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and observation. This follows the earlier rescue of 15 victims on April 27, shortly after gunmen attacked the orphanage on April 26 and abducted 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.
Inside Kogi:
Three Prominent APC Leaders Die in Kogi State
Four Dead, Eleven Injured in Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road Accident
Troops Neutralize Two Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Victim in Kogi
Four Dead, Eleven Injured in Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road Accident
Kogi Government Confirms Rescue of All 23 Victims Abducted from Lokoja Orphanage
Governor Ahmed Ododo commended the Nigerian Army and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and bravery, describing the outcome as a relief to the affected families and a clear message to criminal elements in the state. He also praised the victims and their families for their resilience during the ordeal.
“The safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of our administration. This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi,” Ododo said. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and pledged to strengthen the state’s security architecture and intelligence gathering.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu and security agency heads nationwide for their continued support and coordination in tackling violent crime. He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
About the Author
