JUST IN: DEADLY BANDIT RAID ON KOGI SCHOOL LEAVES THREE DEAD, INCLUDING VICE PRINCIPAL

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By;Sunmola Ganiyat

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.

The attack, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the attackers—believed to be heavily armed—stormed the school on about 40 motorcycles, apparently targeting students and residents for abduction.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilised a joint security team after receiving a distress call. Personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical units were deployed to the scene.

Military personnel and local vigilantes already stationed in the area also joined the response operation.

The statement added that the combined security forces engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.

Preliminary findings indicated that there was no confirmed mass abduction of students or residents, though investigations were still ongoing to determine the full details of the incident.

However, the Command confirmed that three people were killed during the attack. They 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 fire, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified bush-combing operations and increased patrols in the affected area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide security agencies with useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations.

The Command assured that further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.