Bandits attack a Kogi school in Iluke Bunu, killing a vice principal, a 70-year-old man, and a 6-year-old child
Suspected bandits have 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.
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The attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, throwing the community into mourning and raising renewed concerns over insecurity in the region.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat.
According to the police, a large number of armed men, operating on about 40 motorcycles, stormed the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division reportedly mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical units.
Military personnel and local vigilante groups in the area also joined the operation, engaging the attackers in a gun battle.
The police said the combined response forced the attackers to retreat into nearby bushes after a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Preliminary findings, however, indicated that there was no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents during the attack.
The command confirmed that three persons were killed in the assault.
The victims were identified as Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and Sunday Ayele, aged six.
The police further stated that one of the attackers was neutralised during the gun duel, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and intensified patrols in the affected area to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Security operatives are also continuing investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police urged residents to remain calm and to provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
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Further updates are expected as investigations and security operations continue in the affected community.
