Armed gunmen 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 6-year-old child.
The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), heightening concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
It disclosed that three persons lost their lives in the invasion, namely: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged 6 years.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
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.
The police stated that “during the exchange of gunfire, one of the bandits was neutralized, while a security operatives attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment”.
Afusat further stated that Joint security operatives comprising the Police, military personnel, and local vigilantes were currently conducting intensive operations aimed at apprehending the fleeing criminals and preventing any further threat to lives and property.
The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, has condemned the attack, describing the incident “as unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable”.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives in the attack , assuring that efforts were being made to arrest the culprits.
The Chairman assured residents of the Local Government’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across all communities within the area.
“The Local Government Administration is working closely with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that lasting measures are put in place to forestall any recurrence of such attacks,” he said.
