Armed 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 at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, stormed the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the command said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security team after receiving distress calls from the area.
The statement noted that personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military operatives and local vigilantes were deployed to the scene.
According to the police, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee into the surrounding forest.
The command stated that preliminary investigations had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents during the attack.
It added that further investigations and assessments were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police confirmed that the victims killed during the attack were Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The command also disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire with security operatives.
It further revealed that a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area to prevent further attacks.
The command said joint security operatives were continuing intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and restore normalcy, while urging residents to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies.
Encourage self defense, if not no solution from anyone
It’s a pit that Nigeria security officer and other team could not get the bandit killed nor arrested any of them with a face to face battle, shame on Nigeria security and the area commander of Kogi state.