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, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, caused panic in the community and renewed fears over worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
Eyewitness accounts and police confirmation indicate that the attackers, numbering dozens and riding on motorcycles, stormed the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said security operatives responded swiftly after distress calls were received.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said joint security teams were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division promptly mobilised a combined team of police operatives, the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the scene,” she said.
She added that the security team engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
“Preliminary findings show that there is no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or residents. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the attack,” the police spokesperson added.
The command confirmed that three persons were killed during the incident. They were identified as the vice principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Mr Ganiyu Anifowose; 70-year-old Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
Security forces also confirmed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police ordered intensified bush-combing operations in the area, as well as sustained patrols to prevent further incidents.
“We have directed continuous operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and restoring confidence in the affected communities,” the police authority said.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information as investigations continue.
