Bandits have attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi state, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attack, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into panic and heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi state police command said armed bandits, riding on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school in what appeared to be an attempted mass abduction of students and residents.
In a statement issued by ASP Saliu Afusat, command’s spokesperson, the police said: “The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.”
The statement added that military personnel and local vigilante groups also joined the operation to repel the attackers.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush,” the police said.
It, however, confirmed that three persons were killed in the attack. They were identified as Ganiyu Anifowose, the vice principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The command noted that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.
Police said preliminary findings showed “no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction,” adding that investigations and search operations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police ordered sustained bush-combing operations and increased patrols in the area, while urging residents to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.