Gunmen raid Nigerian orphanage, kidnap 23 children

Gunmen raided an unregistered orphanage in Kogi State, Nigeria, on Sunday, kidnapping 23 children and abducting the facility owner.

Authorities confirmed that 15 children were rescued following a prompt and coordinated response by security agencies, while eight children remain missing.

The orphanage was operating illegally in a remote, bushy area of Lokoja, the state capital, without the knowledge of relevant government authorities.

Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo emphasized the importance of orphanages and schools engaging with government agencies, especially given the current security challenges.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

However, security sources noted the presence of an active Boko Haram cell in the state and recent violent attacks in the region.

Nigeria continues to face a widespread kidnapping crisis involving criminal gangs and armed groups seeking ransom payments, despite government bans on ransom payments.

This incident is significant as it marks the first known attack targeting an orphanage in Nigeria, a country where mass kidnappings of students have become increasingly common.

In November 2025, over 300 students and teachers were abducted from a Catholic secondary school in neighboring Niger State, with the last group released more than a month later.

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