Gunmen attacked an orphanage in northern Nigeria late Sunday, abducting 23 pupils, according to local authorities. The raid took place in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, where armed assailants stormed the facility and seized children from their dormitories.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time when the gunmen, armed with rifles, broke into the orphanage. They fired shots to scare residents and staff before rounding up the children, aged between 8 and 15. Witnesses reported that the attackers also looted valuables before fleeing into the nearby forest.
Police Response
Kogi State police spokesperson William Aya confirmed the abduction and said a search operation is underway. “We have deployed tactical teams to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the children,” Aya said. He added that no group has claimed responsibility yet.
This attack is the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools and orphanages in northern Nigeria, where armed groups often demand ransom. In 2021, over 300 schoolboys were abducted from a school in Kankara, Katsina State, though many were later released.
Community Reaction
Parents and local residents gathered at the orphanage Monday morning, anxiously waiting for news. “We are terrified. These children are innocent,” said Amina Bello, a neighbor. The orphanage, run by a local charity, housed over 50 children, many of whom were orphans due to the region’s ongoing conflicts.
Human rights groups have condemned the attack, calling for increased security at vulnerable institutions. Amnesty International’s Nigeria office urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further abductions.
