Bandits Attack Kogi School, Vice Principal, Two Others Killed

Bandits Attack Kogi School, Vice Principal, Two Others Killed

 

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that armed bandits invaded a secondary school in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, killing a vice principal, a six-year-old child and another resident in a failed abduction attempt.

The attack occurred at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, at about 10 a.m., when a large group of gunmen riding on about 40 motorcycles reportedly stormed the community and the school premises, triggering panic among students, teachers and residents.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Command said preliminary intelligence indicated that the attackers intended to abduct students and other members of the community.

According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilised a joint security team comprising personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units following distress calls from the area.

Military personnel and local vigilante operatives already deployed in the community also joined the operation, leading to a fierce gun battle with the attackers.

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

The Command noted that investigations had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents, adding that security agencies were continuing assessments to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police, however, confirmed that three persons lost their lives during the attack. 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.

The Command further disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area as security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

The police urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing operations by providing credible information that could assist in tracking down the perpetrators.