Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly attacked an orphanage home in Abuja and took away seven children, a security guard and two others.

The incident occurred at Racheal’s Orphanage, Abaji, on Saturday, multiple reports said.

A resident living in the neighbourhood identified only as Mohammed sustained gunshot injuries as the assailants abducted his wife during the attack, Punch reported.

It was gathered that the abductors forced their way into the orphanage shortly after whisking away with their victims to an undisclosed location.

Elizabeth Andrew, Dayo Udeh, Jacob Ukpas, Melody Ijeh, Benard Itim, Issac Mathew and Laruba Emmanuel were amongst those reportedly kidnapped.

The report also noted that the assailants also abducted the orphanage home security guard, Joseph Mathew alongside two housewives identified as Rukayyat Salihu and Suwaiba Momoh.

Abuja police spokeswoman Maryam Yusuf confirmed the incident to Peoples Gazette Monday morning by telephone.

Ms. Yusuf said the police had since launched a “strategic rescue mission operation” to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

She also noted that the operation yielded positive result as the police were able to rescued one of the victims in “isolation”

“The command is doing all it could to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice,” she said.