Daarulkitab Islamic Training Centre Owner Refutes Registration Claims Amid Kidnapping Crisis
Kogi State—Mohammed Tajudeen, proprietor and principal of Daar-ur‑Kitab Islamic Training Centre, denied state government allegations that his school is unregistered. Tajudeen made the statement on Monday, a day after armed gunmen abducted 26 individuals, including pupils and staff, from the centre and its adjoining orphanage on Sunday night.
The Kogi State Government had earlier described the attack as “unfortunate” and asserted that the affected institution lacked proper registration. In response, Tajudean said the centre holds valid registration certificates from both the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs. “I have documents to back our registration. Daar‑ur‑Kitab was registered separately,” he said.
Security forces reported that 17 of the 26 abducted victims have been rescued, while operations continue to locate and free the remaining hostages. According to Tajudean, seven students and two matrons are still being held by the kidnappers. He also disclosed that his two wives were among those taken to an undisclosed location during the raid.
The incident adds to a series of school‑related kidnappings across northern Nigeria, prompting heightened security measures and calls for stricter enforcement of school registration protocols. State officials have not yet confirmed whether the kidnappers targeted the centre for its alleged registration status or for other motives.
Authorities from the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services are coordinating investigations and rescue efforts. The Ministry of Women Affairs, which reportedly holds one of the centre’s registration documents, has not issued a separate statement on the matter.
The situation remains fluid as law‑enforcement agencies work to secure the release of the remaining captives and to ascertain the identities and motives of the gunmen. Further updates are expected as the rescue operation progresses.
