Eight Children Still Missing After Gunmen Raid Nigeria Orphanage
Eight children are still missing after a raid on an orphanage. The attack happened in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State. Gunmen kidnapped 23 people from the unregistered facility.
A Deadly Raid
Kogi’s information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the news. He said 15 children were rescued. The rescue happened due to the “prompt and coordinated response” of security agencies. Sunday’s attack also saw the owner of the facility taken.
No Claim of Responsibility
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. However, security sources say the state has a functional Boko Haram cell. There have been several violent attacks in the area. Nigeria is also grappling with a wider kidnap crisis. Criminal gangs abduct people for ransoms across the country. The government has made paying ransoms illegal. However, this has not stopped the kidnappings.
Orphanage Was Operating Illegally
“The government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims,” Fanwo said. His statement also highlighted that the orphanage was “operating illegally”. It was in a “bushy environment” without the knowledge of relevant authorities.Fanwo urged operators of orphanages and schools to engage with government agencies. This is especially important “in the current security climate”.
