Three persons, including a vice principal, a six-year-old child, and a 70-year-old man, have been killed after armed bandits invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in a brutal mid-morning attack that threw the community into panic.
The assault, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, was carried out by a large group of armed men reportedly riding on about 40 motorcycles, with suspicions that they intended to abduct students and other residents in the school environment.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response upon receiving distress calls.
According to her, operatives were drawn from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and other tactical units, while military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush,” the statement said.
The Command noted that preliminary findings had not confirmed any successful mass abduction of students or residents.
“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,” it added.
However, the police confirmed that three people lost their lives during the attack.
They were identified as Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and Sunday Ayele, aged six.
Security operatives also confirmed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered sustained bush-combing operations and intensified patrols across the affected area to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the police added.
