Tragedy struck Iluke Bunu community in Kogi State on Wednesday as armed bandits invaded Government Secondary School, killing three people, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attackers who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles around 10 a.m., stormed the school in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in what authorities believe was an attempted mass abduction of students and residents.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said a joint security team comprising police officers, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes swiftly responded after distress calls were received.
According to police spokesperson ASP Saliu Afusat, security operatives engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.
While investigations are ongoing, police said there is currently no confirmed evidence that any students or residents were successfully abducted during the attack.
The victims killed in the assault 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.
Police also disclosed that one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshots injuries and is receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensive bush-combing operations and increased patrols across the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide useful information to security agencies as investigations continue.
