Authorities in north-central Nigeria say eight children remain unaccounted for after gunmen attacked an unregistered orphanage in Kogi State, abducting a total of 23 children.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 15 of the children were rescued following what he described as a swift intervention by security forces. He credited the outcome to the “prompt and coordinated response” of security agencies.
The raid, which took place on Sunday, also led to the abduction of the orphanage’s owner, according to the commissioner.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security sources indicate that Kogi State has an active cell linked to Boko Haram, and the area has experienced several violent incidents in recent times.
The attack comes amid a broader kidnapping crisis across Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently target vulnerable communities and institutions for ransom. Although the government has outlawed ransom payments, abductions have continued largely unchecked.
Reassuring the public, Fanwo stated, “The government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims.”
He also disclosed that the orphanage was “operating illegally” in a “bushy environment” without the knowledge or approval of relevant authorities.
Fanwo urged operators of orphanages, schools, and similar facilities to comply with regulations, stressing the need to work closely with government agencies “especially in the current security climate.”
