Bandits have invaded 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 at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intent of abducting students and residents.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response upon receiving distress calls, deploying officers from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical units.
It added that 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.
“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 said.
The Command confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack. They were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The police also said 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 treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. Joint security operatives are also continuing intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
