The proprietor of Daarulkitab Islamic Training Centre in Zariagi, Kogi State, Mohammed Tajudeen, has said pupils earlier reported as rescued after a recent abduction incident actually escaped from their captors.
The clarification follows conflicting accounts surrounding the attack on the school and orphanage facility, which occurred late on April 26, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed the premises.
Initial reports indicated that 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor were abducted during the incident.
The Kogi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, had confirmed the attack and stated that 15 of the abducted pupils were rescued following a swift response by security operatives.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force later reported that 17 pupils had been rescued.
However, Tajudeen disputed those claims while speaking to journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the facility.
“Those who are available now ran away when the kidnappers came; they were not rescued, but they escaped; they hid inside the bush.”
He also contested the government’s claim that the institution was not registered, insisting that the school had valid documentation.
“The school is registered with CAC and the Ministry of Women Affairs, I have the document to back our registration. The Darul Kitab was registered separately.”
Providing further details, Tajudeen said seven students and two matrons were abducted during the attack.
Police authorities also confirmed that two women, identified as wives of the proprietor, were taken to an unknown destination.
Sources indicated that the attackers invaded the premises on Sunday night, firing sporadically to scare residents and deter any resistance.
Meanwhile, the proprietor, parents, and community members have appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
