Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, as security agencies intensify efforts to free the remaining victims.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday that the pupils were kidnapped on Saturday at about 11:45pm when gunmen invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said in a statement that 26 persons—comprising 24 pupils and two wives of the proprietor—were initially abducted.

Afusat explained that following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division, Lokoja, mobilised a joint security team, leading to the rescue of 17 victims.

“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives, comprising the police, military, and other security agencies, to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims,” she said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, has since visited the scene and ordered the deployment of tactical teams for bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance.

The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators, urging the public to provide credible information.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and avoidable.

The state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of several victims, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.

He, however, raised concerns that the school was allegedly operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.

Fanwo warned that unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated locations pose serious security risks, especially in the current security climate, and urged operators to comply with regulations.

Kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge in parts of Nigeria, with schools, religious institutions, and rural communities increasingly targeted due to their vulnerability.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A parallel court-martial proceedings involving serving military officers linked to the alleged plot are also set to resume on May 8.

The development was contained in a statement shared with our correspondent on Monday, indicating that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik invoked a speedy trial procedure and fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of the trial and hearing of bail applications.

Those standing trial are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa.

Others are Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric.

They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

According to the statement, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses ready, subject to the court’s convenience.

Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, told the court that his client’s bail application was due for hearing.

Justice Abdulmalik, however, ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications were considered.

Lawyers to the second, third, and sixth defendants, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri expressed reservations about proceeding, citing short notice and the complexity of the case.

The judge subsequently directed all parties to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial before fixing the adjourned dates.

The PUNCH reports that journalists were barred from covering proceedings as the court prepared to hear the bail applications.

Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services, directed reporters to vacate the courtroom shortly before Justice Abdulmalik took her seat.

A court official, who did not disclose his name, told journalists that the directive emanated from the judge, while a DSS operative said he would offer an explanation later.

The reporters, however, complied and exited the courtroom shortly after the judge was seated.

Correspondents had arrived at the court as early as 8:00 a.m. but were forced to leave at about 9:07 a.m. following the order.

The six defendants were arraigned last Wednesday by the Federal Government over an alleged failed coup.

In count one of the charges, the defendants are alleged to have conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Following their arraignment, the court had earlier fixed April 27 for the hearing of their bail applications and ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the DSS.

Meanwhile, proceedings before a military tribunal are also gaining momentum.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed to the AFP that the court martial of 36 serving officers accused in connection with the alleged coup plot will resume on May 8.

The officers, who were earlier arraigned before the military panel sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, are facing internal disciplinary charges under military law, separate from the civilian prosecution at the Federal High Court.

The dual-track proceedings—civilian trial and military court martial—underline the scale of the alleged conspiracy, which authorities say involved both serving personnel and civilians.

Meanwhile, a former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who was mentioned in seven of the 13 counts but has not been listed as a defendant, is currently at large.

Earlier reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot.

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A fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, triggering fear and panic within the diaspora community and prompting urgent diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government.

The development comes as Nigerians living in South Africa demanded protection by the Federal Government, saying that protecting Nigerians abroad is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the government.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.

The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

Andrew, she said, was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The consul-general said the separate cases, involving security personnel, have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock.

A formal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Nigerian mission has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” she said.

The Consul General added that the consulate was engaging relevant authorities and would provide necessary support to the families of the deceased, while warning against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals.

Okey-Uche also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.

The killings come amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with multiple viral videos showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.

In one such video, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest and ordered to leave the country with his family.

“How come you are here in South Africa to continue selling goods?” one of the men asked.

Despite explaining his long stay and livelihood, the trader’s plea was dismissed.

“I didn’t come to South Africa today. I have been here for a long time. The only thing is what I’m doing to feed my children,” he said.

The group, however, insisted that foreigners were no longer welcome.

“From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now,” one voice declared.

“Take your wife and go back to your country. Take your children and go and raise them at home,” a second voice said.

In another disturbing development, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in what appeared to be a targeted killing in downtown Johannesburg, further heightening concerns over the safety of foreign nationals.

CCTV footage circulating online showed the victim being approached and shot at close range at a busy intersection, with no immediate provocation or robbery, suggesting a deliberate attack.

Authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made and investigations were ongoing.

Amid the violence, the South African Police Service condemned acts of intimidation against foreigners.

“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” the police said.

Nigerians seek help

Reacting, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa warned of increasing hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other African nationals.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention by Nigerian and African leaders.

“We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.

“These actions not only undermine human dignity, but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.

“On behalf of the Nigerian community, I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in tackling these developments,” he said.

Onyekwelu further called for stronger diplomatic engagement, accountability for erring officers, and the creation of mechanisms to document and address xenophobic abuses.

“Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society. The reckless stereotyping and collective criminalisation of our people must stop.

“NICASA reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. We urge compatriots to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with the laws of South Africa, while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies,” he said.

Safety advisory

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also issued safety advisories, warning of escalating protests in parts of South Africa, including Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of looting, property damage, and violence have been reported.

“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding always,” the commission stated.

The agency advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, monitor local developments, and, in some cases, temporarily shut down businesses to prevent losses.

Despite the tensions, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, maintained that the situation was under control and not a coordinated siege against Nigerians.

“Let me first make the point that right now, Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.

“The two governments are working on it. Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners,” he said.

He described the incidents as “isolated tension” and urged caution, noting that authorities had taken steps to contain unrest in affected areas.

Ramaphosa cautions

On his part, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged foreign nationals to respect the country’s laws and traditions while reaffirming his commitment to international law and human rights.

In a video during his address on Monday, on the occasion of Freedom Day, he said, “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country,” he said.

FG engages S’Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally called on South Africa to ensure the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

“Nigeria recalls the recent attacks on foreign nationals in some major cities in South Africa.

“As brotherly countries, Nigeria wishes to use the occasion of the anniversary of Freedom Day to call on the Government of South Africa to protect the lives and property of foreigners from fellow African countries currently residing in their country.

“Nigeria remains confident that the enduring partnership between both nations will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.

“The government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend their best wishes to the government and people of South Africa for continued unity, progress, and prosperity,” the statement read.

It noted that Nigeria and South Africa share deep historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle and have since built a strong bilateral relationship spanning trade, defence, education, and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation within the African Union and United Nations.

It also highlighted ongoing collaboration through frameworks such as the Bi-National Commission, while stressing the importance of continental unity and collective progress.

Congratulating South Africa on its Freedom Day, Nigeria said the occasion marked the historic 1994 democratic elections that ended apartheid and ushered in majority rule.

The statement added that the 2026 celebration reflected 32 years of democratic governance and the country’s commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, equality, and human dignity.

“On this auspicious occasion, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa and deepening cooperation across strategic sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the statement stated.

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