June 10, (THEWILL) — Bandits, on Wednesday, invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke, in the Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child, in an attack that authorities say was aimed at abducting students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The brazen attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m., sent shockwaves through the community, triggering panic among residents and raising fresh concerns over security in schools and rural communities across the state.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, revealing that a large number of armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles stormed the school and the surrounding community.
According to the police, the attackers appeared determined to carry out a mass abduction of students and residents before a swift response by security operatives thwarted their plans.
The statement disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security team after receiving distress calls from residents. Personnel from the police division, Police Mobile Force and tactical units were deployed to the scene, while military personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters 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 police said.
Although some residents alleged that students scheduled to sit for the WASSCE English Language examination were initially taken away during the attack, the police said investigations were ongoing and that there was no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction.
“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 added.
The Command confirmed that three persons were killed during the assault. They 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 neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Reacting to the development, the Kogi State Government described the incident as an attempted mass abduction and commended security personnel for preventing what could have resulted in a major tragedy.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said intelligence reports indicated that the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community.
Fanwo confirmed that the assailants disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security operatives confronted them.
According to him, all the students were rescued unharmed following a fierce gun battle between security forces and the attackers.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner praised the efforts of military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives whose intervention, he noted, prevented further casualties and a possible mass kidnapping.
He added that one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while several others escaped into nearby forests with gunshot injuries.
The state government assured residents that security agencies had launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and would ensure all those involved in the attack were brought to justice. It also disclosed that additional security measures were being considered to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities in the area.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations, confidence-building patrols and intensified surveillance across the affected axis to prevent further attacks.
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