Children, Adults Abducted in Separate Incidents in Kogi and Kaduna

Dozens of individuals, including children, were taken by armed assailants on Sunday in separate attacks targeting an orphanage in Kogi State and a road in Kaduna State. The incidents involved the abduction of pupils, staff, and family members from an Islamic foundation and children's home in Kogi, while students, a driver, and passengers were kidnapped in Kaduna.

In Kogi, the Tajudeen Islamic Foundation and children's home in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, was raided, with the proprietor’s wives and children, as well as orphanage residents, taken. Simultaneously, in Kaduna, students travelling to resume school in Kachia were ambushed along Akwando Road in the Kafancha Local Government Area, leading to the abduction of six students, the driver, and two other passengers.

Reports indicate that 17 children from the Kogi facility managed to escape and find safety, while 15 students in Kaduna also fled into the bush and later returned home. The kidnappers in Kogi have reportedly demanded a ransom of N150 million for the release of the nine individuals still in their custody.

Survivors from the Kogi orphanage described the attackers storming the premises around 10:30 pm on Sunday, forcing their way into rooms and taking victims. One survivor, Farouk Hassan, son of the proprietor, recounted how his mother alerted them to the attackers' presence before they were abducted. He managed to escape into the bush and alerted his father.

A teacher at the school, Hajarat Isah, confirmed the abduction of nine individuals and the ransom demand. The proprietor, Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed Salihu, appealed to the Kogi State Government for assistance in rescuing the remaining victims, emphasizing the foundation's role in educating underprivileged children.

Authorities in Kogi State have responded, with the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, stating that a joint security operation rescued 17 victims, but nine others, including two of the proprietor's wives and seven students, remain captive. He assured that efforts are underway to secure their release. Kankarofi also noted that the facility was unregistered and lacked adequate security, making it vulnerable.

The Kogi State Government condemned the attack, with the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, commending the swift response of security agencies. However, the government also expressed concern over the operation of unregistered institutions in insecure areas.

The proprietor, however, contested the claim of operating an unregistered school, asserting that the foundation was established in 2021 and registered with the Kogi State Ministry of Education.

In Kaduna, the attack on students occurred as they were en route to Kachia. A resident reported that the driver attempted to evade the attackers but was unsuccessful. Sadly, a student named Purity Babangida was fatally crushed when the driver tried to escape. Approximately 15 students escaped by jumping from the moving vehicle and trekking through the bush to safety.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, DSP Mansur Hassan, was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting, but a police source confirmed the incident.

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) has condemned the Kaduna attack, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect travelers and residents. They identified the abducted individuals and confirmed the tragic death of Purity Babangida, extending condolences to the bereaved family.