Residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into mourning on Wednesday after armed bandits stormed a secondary school community, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m., targeted Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, raising fresh concerns over the security of schools and rural communities in the state.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat.
According to the statement, a large number of armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles invaded the area with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
Joint Security Team Responds
The Police Command disclosed that upon receiving distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response involving personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
Military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
The combined security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
“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 police noted that preliminary investigations have not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents.
“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 Command stated.
Three Killed During Attack
Despite the intervention by security operatives, three persons 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, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The police also confirmed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
A member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
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Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected community.
The Command said joint security operatives have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects while preventing further attacks in the area.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations.
The police assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progress and security operations continue.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.