An armed group in Nigeria attacked an orphanage in the central part of the country, kidnapping several dozen children. Some have been rescued, but eight are still missing.
On 27 Apr 2026 GMT+7, the Nigerian government revealed that armed assailants raided an unauthorized orphanage in Kogi State, located in central Nigeria, abducting 23 children. The orphanage owner was also kidnapped.
Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State's Commissioner for Information, stated that 15 children have been rescued due to a swift and well-coordinated response by security forces. However, eight children remain missing, and the government remains fully committed to rescuing all victims.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security sources indicate that Kogi State hosts networks linked to the armed group Boko Haram, which has previously carried out violent attacks in the area.
Fanwo emphasized that the orphanage operated "illegally" in a dense forest environment without the knowledge of relevant authorities.
He also urged operators of shelters, schools, and similar institutions to coordinate with government agencies to obtain proper authorization, especially under the current security situation.
Mass kidnappings are frequent in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region plagued by unrest. However, this marks the first time an orphanage has been targeted.
In November 2025, a shocking incident occurred when over 300 students and teachers were abducted from a Catholic secondary school in Niger State, located in north-central Nigeria. The victims were released in two groups, with the second group freed after more than a month in captivity.
The Nigerian government has confirmed that no ransom payments were made to the kidnappers, nor were any Boko Haram commanders released in exchange for hostages' freedom.
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Source:bbc