Crime

All kidnapped Lokoja orphanage victims rescued, Kogi Govt confirms

By Florence Kalu

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of all victims abducted from Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, bringing closure to a kidnapping incident that had triggered anxiety across the state.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working with other security agencies, successfully rescued the remaining victims during a coordinated operation in the early hours of May 6, 2026, from the Agbaja Forest axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.

Fanwo stated that the operation led to the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females from the Agbaja Forest axis in Lokoja Local Government Area a situation that triggered renewed concerns over the vulnerability of schools and care centres to criminal attacks.

He added that the rescued victims have since been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed profound appreciation to the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army and all security agencies involved in the operation. He commended their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“The Governor also acknowledged the strength and resilience demonstrated by the victims and their families during this trying period, reiterating that the safety and security of all residents remains the foremost priority of his administration.

“This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi State. We’ll continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and provide the necessary support for our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” the Governor stated.

According to the Commissioner, Ododo further expressed deep gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support toward sustaining security and stability in Kogi State.

“He also appreciated the heads of security agencies across the country for their continued collaboration and commitment.

“The Kogi State Government reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and all forms of violent crime and urges citizens to remain vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

“The Government assures the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this criminal act and ensure they are brought to justice.”