Bandits on Wednesday invaded 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 at about 10:00 a.m., threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said a large group of heavily armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles stormed the school and surrounding community with the suspected intention of carrying out abductions.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilised a joint security response following distress calls from residents. Personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilante groups were deployed to the area.
Security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
The police stated that preliminary investigations had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents, adding that further assessments and investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Three fatalities were confirmed during the attack. The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The command also disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police directed sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area.
Security agencies are continuing intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations.
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