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 abducting some students.
Kano Times gathered that the attack occurred at about 9:45 a.m. while students were sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Residents said the gunmen specifically targeted the examination centre where students from three communities were writing their WAEC examinations.
A source told newsmen that the attackers killed the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, Mr. Gani Anifowose, alongside two other persons.
“The major target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students from three communities were sitting for their WAEC examination at the time of the invasion.
“The Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, Mr. Gani Anifowose, was killed alongside two other persons. Three students and several residents were abducted in the attack,” the source said.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as “unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Local Government Administration is working closely with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that lasting measures are put in place to forestall any recurrence of such attacks,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack, saying three persons lost their lives during the invasion.
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.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza, the command said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers on motorcycles.
“At about 10:00 a.m., the Command received distress information that a large number of heavily armed bandits, operating on about forty (40) motorcycles, had invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents of the community,” the statement said.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised personnel from the division, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams to the scene.
The command added that military personnel and local vigilantes already deployed in the area 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 statement added.
The police, however, said preliminary investigations had yet to establish any conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or residents.
“Investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the command stated.
The police further disclosed that one of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a security operative attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
It added that joint security operatives comprising the police, military personnel and local vigilantes have intensified operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
