Gunmen, on Sunday, April 26, raided an unregistered orphanage in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State and kidnapped 23 children. Authorities say eight children are still missing.
Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi’s information commissioner, said 15 children were rescued due to the “prompt and coordinated response” of security agencies.
The Sunday attack also saw the facility’s owner taken, Mr Fanwo added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Still, security sources say the state has a functional Boko Haram cell and that there have been several violent attacks in the area.
According to Mr Fanwo, “the government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims.”
His statement on Monday also highlighted that the orphanage was “operating illegally” in a “bushy environment” without the knowledge of relevant authorities.
He urged operators of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions to always engage appropriately with the appropriate government agencies, especially in the current security climate.”
