By Seyi Odewale
Armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles on Wednesday 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 pupil.
The deadly attack, which occurred around 10 a.m., sparked panic across the community as residents and students fled for safety amid heavy gunfire.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, saying the attackers stormed the area in large numbers with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
According to the command, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilised security personnel after receiving distress calls from the community.
The Police said operatives from the division, tactical teams and the Police Mobile Force were deployed to the scene, while military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area 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 investigations showed no conclusive evidence that any student or resident was successfully abducted during the attack.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents,” the Police stated.
Authorities, however, confirmed that three persons lost their lives in the assault.
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.
Police further disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected communities to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The command urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations and security operations.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
