BREAKING: Bandits attack Kogi school, kill vice principal, two others, abduct students writing WAEC exam

Bandits have invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal, and abducting some students during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The attack, which residents said occurred around 9:45am on Wednesday, was reportedly carried out as students from several communities were sitting for their WAEC examinations.

Sources said the armed men specifically targeted the school, describing it as the major focus of the assault.

“The major target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students from three communities were sitting for their WAEC examination at the time of the invasion,” a resident said.

Victims of the attack were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele, all of whom were killed during the invasion. Some students and residents were also abducted.

The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the incident, describing it as “unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable,” while assuring that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

He said the council was working with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen security across communities in the area and prevent future attacks.

Similarly, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying armed men numbering about 40 and operating on motorcycles invaded the school and surrounding community with the intention of abducting students and other residents.

Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza, said security operatives, including police tactical teams, military personnel and local vigilantes, were mobilised and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.

The command said preliminary findings had yet to confirm a successful mass abduction, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the attack.

It added that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

Security agencies have since launched follow-up operations to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.