Armed bandits on Wednesday attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three people, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attack, which occurred around 10:00 a.m., sent panic across the community as heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed the school and surrounding area.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said the attackers, who arrived on about 40 motorcycles, were suspected to have intended to carry out a mass abduction of students and residents.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, security operatives swiftly responded after receiving distress calls from the area.
The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division mobilised officers alongside personnel from the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units. Military operatives and local vigilantes already deployed in the area also joined the operation.
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The police said the combined security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents. However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement noted.
The Command confirmed that three people lost their lives during the attack. The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, 70-year-old Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
Police also disclosed that one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police ordered intensified bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the area. Security agencies have continued manhunt operations to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further incidents.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspects.
The attack has heightened concerns over security in parts of Kogi State, with community members calling for stronger measures to protect schools and rural communities from criminal attacks.
