Kogi confirms rescue of victims abducted from orphanage

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The Kogi State Government has confirmed the safe rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja.

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The confirmation came in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that gunmen attacked the orphanage on April 26 and abducted 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.

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The government had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security operations across the state.

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Fanwo said the remaining nine victims regained freedom during a rescue operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday.

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He described the development as a major breakthrough against criminal elements operating within the state and a relief to affected families.

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According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army led the coordinated search-and-rescue mission with support from other security agencies.

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“The operation, carried out in the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area, resulted in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females.

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“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention,” Fanwo said.

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The state governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and bravery.

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The governor also commended the victims and their families for their resilience throughout the traumatic experience.

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“The safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of our administration. This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi.

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“We will continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and support security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” Ododo said.

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The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to sustain security and stability in Kogi.

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He commended heads of security agencies nationwide for their continued cooperation and coordinated response against violent crimes.

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He reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and other violent criminal activities across Kogi.

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Ododo urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing future attacks.

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He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators and ensure they faced justice.

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