Bandits Attack Kogi School, Kill Vice Principal, Child And Resident

Armed 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 around 10:00 a.m., left the community in shock and renewed concerns about security around schools and rural communities in the state.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said a large group of heavily armed bandits, riding on approximately 40 motorcycles, stormed the school and surrounding area in what appeared to be an attempt to abduct students and residents.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Command disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilised a joint security team after receiving distress calls.

The response team included personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilante groups already operating within the area.

According to the police, the 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.

“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents,” the statement said.

Despite the intervention, the police confirmed that three people lost their lives 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 revealed that one of the suspected bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered intensified bush-combing operations and increased confidence-building patrols across the affected area.

Security agencies have continued extensive operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks.

The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.