By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Three people were killed after suspected bandits attacked a secondary school in Iluke-Bunu Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), authorities said.
According to residents, the attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and wore military-style uniforms, invaded the community and headed to Government Secondary School, Iluke, while examinations were in progress.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call about armed men allegedly attempting to abduct students and residents. In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised police personnel, tactical operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the scene.
Police said the joint security team engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. While investigations are ongoing, the command said there was no confirmed mass abduction. However, three people lost their lives during the incident: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The police also reported that one suspected attacker was killed during the exchange, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.In a separate statement, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, commended security personnel for preventing what he described as a potential mass abduction of students.Security agencies have launched ongoing operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
