Gunmen attack orphanage in northern Nigeria and abduct 23 pupils
[April 28, 2026]
By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN
ABUJA,
Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen raided an orphanage in north-central Nigeria and
abducted 23 pupils, authorities said Monday. Fifteen have since been
rescued.
The attack took place in an "isolated area" of Lokoja, capital of Kogi
State, according to a statement by the state’s commissioner, Kingsley
Femi Fanwo. The facility, Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was operating
illegally, he said.
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Students' belongings are seen inside a dormitory of an orphanage that
was raided by gunmen late Sunday, in Lokoja, Nigeria, Monday, April 27,
2026. (AP Photo/Haruna Yahaya) |
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No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The
region has seen an increase in kidnappings for ransom.
The statement did not say how old the abducted children are, but
the term “pupil” in Nigeria usually refers to someone in
kindergarten or primary school, covering ages up to 12.
“Intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of
the remaining eight victims and apprehend the perpetrators,"
Fanwo said.
Students’ kidnappings have come to define the insecurity in
Africa’s most populous nation. Analysts say armed gangs see
schools and students as “strategic” targets to draw attention.
Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the
north, where an insurgency has simmered for more than a decade.
Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram
and its breakaway faction, known as ISWAP. There is also the
IS-linked Lakurawa group operating in communities in the
northwestern part of the country bordering Niger.
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