Gunmen attacked a Nigerian orphanage on Sunday, kidnapping 23 children and the facility's proprietress in the latest incident of mass abduction in the West African nation.

The armed attackers targeted the orphanage facility, overwhelming security and taking the children along with the woman who runs the institution. Local authorities confirmed the incident but did not immediately provide details about the specific location or the ages of the kidnapped children.

Nigeria has experienced a surge in kidnapping incidents in recent years, with criminal groups frequently targeting schools, religious facilities, and other institutions housing large numbers of vulnerable individuals. Armed gangs often demand ransom payments for the release of their victims.

The attack on the orphanage represents a particularly troubling development, as it targeted some of society's most vulnerable members. Nigerian security forces have not yet announced any arrests or provided updates on rescue operations.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant security challenge across multiple Nigerian states, with hundreds of students, travelers, and residents abducted in separate incidents over the past several years. The frequency of such attacks has raised concerns about the government's ability to protect civilians and maintain security in affected regions.