Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in a coordinated search-and rescue mission on Wednesday successfully rescued all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the safe rescue of all nine victims which included seven children and the two wives of the proprietor of the orphanage.
Recall that gunmen had invaded the school and made away with the nine victims while other students escaped.
The gunmen had also reached out to the families of the victims, demanding ransom payment of one hundred and fifty million naira.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo who confirmed the safe rescue of the victims, described the development as a major breakthrough against criminal elements operating within the state and a relief to affected families.
“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.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention,” Fanwo said.
The state governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and bravery.
The governor also commended the victims and their families for their resilience throughout the traumatic experience.
“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.
“We will continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and support security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” Ododo said.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to sustain security and stability in Kogi.
