Olu Samuel
Abductors of 17 Islamic school pupils in Kogi has contacted the proprietor of the school to demand for 150 million for their release.
The Kogi police command public relations officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat in response to our correspondents inquiry said that one of the staff of the school told the police who went there for on the spot assessment gave the figure as what the abductors demanded.
She however said that there no official confirmation yet .
“Although no official report was received, some staff of the school made statements to that effect during our on-the-spot assessment with the Commissioner of Police.” Oyiza Afusat stated.
Recall that 26 students of the Islamic school in Zariagi, Lokoja were abducted on Sunday by yet to be identified gunmen who stormed the school which double as unregistered Orphanage.
A statement issued by the state commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo stated that “the facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was reportedly operating illegally in a remote, bushy location without registration with the State Government or the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.
Similarly a statement issued on Monday ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
“The Kogi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an unfortunate incident of abduction that occurred on 26th April, 2026, at about 2345hrs at Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage home, located at Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction, Lokoja, in an isolated area.
Available information indicates that unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted a total of twenty-six (26) persons, comprising twenty-four (24) pupils/students and two (2) wives of the proprietor, Mallam Mohammed Tanko Tajudeen, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division Lokoja swiftly mobilized a joint team of security operatives and proceeded to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. The operatives immediately mapped out strategies and commenced coordinated rescue operations.
“Through these efforts, seventeen (17) of the abducted pupils/students have been successfully rescued.”
She said that “Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives comprising the Police, Military, and other security agencies, with concerted efforts being intensified to secure the release of others.