Panic has gripped parts of Kogi State after gunmen attacked an unregistered orphanage, abducting 23 children and leaving eight still unaccounted for, officials said Monday.
The raid, carried out on Sunday in a secluded area, also resulted in the kidnapping of the facility’s owner. According to the state’s Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, security operatives were able to rescue 15 of the children shortly after the incident.
Authorities say the orphanage was operating illegally and was unknown to regulators, raising concerns about oversight and safety in vulnerable communities.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, security reports suggest possible links to Boko Haram, which is believed to maintain a presence in the area. The region has also seen repeated attacks by armed gangs involved in kidnappings for ransom.
Nigeria continues to battle a surge in abductions despite a government ban on ransom payments. Criminal networks have increasingly targeted soft locations, including schools and rural institutions.
Fanwo emphasized that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims, stating that authorities are committed to bringing all those responsible to justice.
This latest incident marks a troubling development, as orphanages had largely been spared from such attacks. It follows a major abduction in November 2025 in Niger State, where more than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped before eventually regaining their freedom.
Security agencies have intensified operations in the area as families await news of the missing children.