Bandits launch fresh abduction at Kogi school, kill vice principal, others

Bandits 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 child.

The attackers, who reportedly stormed the school on about 40 motorcycles, were said to have targeted students and residents for abduction before they were repelled by security operatives.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. and threw the Iluke Bunu community into panic and mourning.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat.

According to the command, the bandits invaded the school in large numbers with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents in the area.

The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls from the community.

Personnel from the police division, Police Mobile Force and tactical teams were deployed to the area.

Military personnel and local vigilantes already stationed around the community 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,” the police said.

The command said preliminary findings had 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 statement added.

The police, however, confirmed that three persons were killed in the attack.

They were identified as Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and Sunday Ayele, aged six.

The command said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.

A member of the joint security team also sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected community.

According to the command, joint security operatives are still combing the surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

The police urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could help ongoing operations.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement said.