Terrorists have invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a 6-year-old child.
The terrorists’ attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the attack in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division promptly mobilised a joint security response upon receiving distress calls, dispatching troops from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
The operation also included military forces and local vigilante organisations that were already stationed in the region.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“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,” the statement said.
The police command, however, confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.
“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the vice principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”
According to the police, one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team suffered bullet wounds and is presently undergoing treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered ongoing bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the impacted areas. According to the command, combined security personnel are still carrying out extensive operations to catch fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The people were advised to remain calm and provide security services with verifiable information.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
