Kogi Islamic School Owner Rejects Government Claims After Gunmen Abduct 26 Students and Staff

Confusion and tension have gripped Kogi State following the abduction of 26 pupils and staff from an Islamic training centre, as the school proprietor pushes back against government claims that the institution is unregistered.

Gunmen stormed the Daarulkitab Islamic Training Centre and its adjoining orphanage on Sunday night, taking students, matrons, and relatives in a raid that has triggered a major security response and renewed concerns over school safety in Nigeria.

While authorities confirmed that 17 victims have already been rescued, nine others—including seven students and two matrons—remain in captivity. The school owner also revealed that his two wives were among those kidnapped during the attack.

The Kogi State Government described the incident as unfortunate but raised questions about the legal status of the institution, alleging it was not formally registered. That claim has now been strongly disputed by the school management.

Mohammed Tajudeen, the proprietor of Daarulkitab Islamic Training Centre, insisted the institution operates within the law and is recognised by relevant agencies. He said official documents support the school’s registration with both the Corporate Affairs Commission and the state Ministry of Women Affairs.

“I have documents to back our registration. Daarulkitab was registered separately,” Tajudeen said, pushing back against the government’s statement.

Security agencies have intensified rescue efforts as pressure mounts on authorities to secure the release of the remaining abductees and track down the armed group behind the attack.

The incident adds to a troubling wave of school-related kidnappings in parts of northern Nigeria, raising fresh questions about protection for vulnerable learning centres and orphanage facilities.