Bandits Invade Kogi School, Kill Vice Principal, Two Others

On Wednesday, bandits invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including the Vice Principal and a 6-year-old child.

CityMirrorNews gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area and students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 9:45 a.m., targeting the area where candidates from neighbouring communities were writing their examinations.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers invaded the school environment and the surrounding community, leading to casualties and fears of abductions.

One resident said: “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 source added: “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.”

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on the community.

He described the incident “as unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable” and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

The council chairman assured residents that efforts were underway to track down those responsible and strengthen security across the area.

According to him, “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.”

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said 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: “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 police said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised officers, tactical teams, Police Mobile Force personnel, military operatives and local vigilantes to confront the attackers.

According to the statement, “The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.”

The command, however, noted that investigations were ongoing to determine whether any students were successfully abducted during the attack.

It stated: “Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents. Investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Police authorities further disclosed that one suspected bandit was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

Security agencies have since launched operations across the area in a bid to apprehend the fleeing attackers and prevent further threats to residents.