Armed bandits have attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and sparked panic among residents while raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said a large group of armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles stormed the community and invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the command said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls from the community.
According to the statement, personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, military personnel and local vigilantes participated in the operation.
The police said security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
“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 investigations had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents, adding that ongoing assessments were being conducted to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police, however, confirmed that three persons lost their lives during the incident.
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 further 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.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police ordered sustained bush-combing operations and intensified confidence-building patrols across the affected communities.
The police said joint security operatives have continued intensive operations aimed at apprehending fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks in the area.
Residents were urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and security operations.
The command assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
