Tragedy struck Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday morning, when armed bandits invaded the school community.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m., resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and has left the local community in deep mourning while severely heightening regional security anxieties.
According to a statement released by the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, a large faction of bandits operating on roughly 40 motorcycles stormed the school premises.
Authorities believe the heavily armed attackers arrived with the intention of executing a mass abduction of students and nearby residents.
Promptly responding to urgent distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division mobilized a robust, joint security force.
This immediate response included personnel from the local division, the Police Mobile Force, and specialized tactical teams, who were quickly reinforced by military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed within the area.
A fierce gun duel ensued as the combined security forces engaged the hoodlums, ultimately forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding bush.
While preliminary findings indicate no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction, the Police Command confirmed that three lives were lost in the chaos.
The victims have been identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
During the intense exchange of gunfire, security forces successfully neutralized one of the attackers, though one member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In the wake of the assault, the Commissioner of Police has ordered intensive bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and to assist security agencies with any credible information as investigations continue.
