Suspected bandits have invaded the Government Secondary School in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal and two others.
The armed bandits reportedly invaded the school in the early hours of Wednesday while some students were preparing for the West African Secondary School Certification Examination (WASSCE).
They arrived with over 40 motorcycles, sparking commotion in the community as they opened fire on the residents and students.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon by the Kogi State Police spokesperson, Saliu Afusat.
According to Saliu, the insurgents stormed the school around 10:00am with plot to abduct the students preparing for the examination.
While the police foiled the kidnap attempt, it however confirmed the death of the school Vice Principal identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowoshe.
Also killed in the attack was a 70-year-old man, Sunday Alhassan, and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele.
“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.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Kabba ‘A’ Division, immediately activated a coordinated security response by mobilizing personnel from the Division, alongside operatives of the Police Mobile Force and the Command’s Tactical Teams.
“Other security personnel already deployed in the area, including military personnel and local vigilante groups, were equally alerted and joined the operation.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“Regrettably, during the attack, three persons lost their lives. They include Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged 6 years.” The statement partly read.
Meanwhile, the police refuted claims of mass abduction by the bandits, adding that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.” Saliu wrote.
The Kogi Police Command commiserated with the families of the deceased while assuring them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the command disclosed that one of the bandits was neutralised with the effort ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects
“During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bandits was neutralized, while a security operatives attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, has ordered sustained bush-combing and confidence-building patrols across the affected area.
“Joint security operatives comprising the Police, military personnel, and local vigilantes are currently conducting intensive operations aimed at apprehending the fleeing criminals and preventing any further threat to lives and property.” The statement read further.
The police urged members of the public are to remain calm, vigilant, and should continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing operations.