The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of 15 pupils abducted from an unregistered orphanage and school in Zariagi area of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja.

According to him, the victims were among 23 pupils kidnapped when gunmen attacked the facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, late on April 26. The assailants also abducted the proprietor’s wife during the incident.

Fanwo said the school was operating illegally in a remote, bushy area along the Kabba Junction axis without registration or notification to relevant authorities.

He noted that security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other agencies, responded swiftly to the attack and successfully rescued 15 of the pupils.

Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims, including the proprietor’s wife, he added.

The commissioner commended the security agencies for their “gallantry and professionalism,” saying their coordinated response helped limit the scale of the incident.

He, however, expressed concern over the operation of unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated areas, warning that such practices pose serious security risks.

Fanwo urged operators to comply with regulatory requirements and engage authorities for proper oversight, stressing that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.