Gunmen who abducted children from an orphanage and school near Kabba Junction in Lokoja have demanded ₦150 million for their release, authorities have said.
The late-night raid in Kogi State left 26 people initially taken, including 24 children and two wives of the proprietor.
A member of staff, Isah Hajarat, said the attack began at about 11:00 p.m., with several children escaping amid the confusion. She said nine victims remain in captivity.
A student who fled, Faruk Alhassan, described scenes of panic as the attackers, some masked and armed with cutlasses, pursued children attempting to hide.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, confirmed that 17 victims had been rescued following a joint operation involving security agencies and local vigilante groups.
He said security personnel were combing nearby forests in an effort to locate the remaining victims, noting that the suspects were mobile and difficult to track.
Mr Kankarofi criticised the siting of the facility, saying it was located in a remote area without proper security measures and was not integrated into existing security frameworks.
He called on school operators to notify authorities when establishing such institutions and urged parents to prioritise safety when choosing schools and care facilities.
Authorities say search operations are ongoing, with assurances that efforts will continue until all victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice.
