A vice principal, a six-year-old boy and an elderly resident have lost their lives following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The violent incident, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into panic and renewed concerns over security around educational institutions in parts of the state.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, arriving on approximately 40 motorcycles. Security authorities believe the assailants intended to carry out kidnappings targeting students and residents within the community.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Command disclosed that a swift response was initiated immediately distress calls were received from the affected area.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Kabba ‘A’ Division reportedly mobilised security personnel and activated a joint operation involving officers from the division, operatives of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units.
Military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed within the area also joined the operation in a coordinated effort to repel the attackers.
Police authorities said security operatives confronted the gunmen in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat into nearby bushes.
“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 confirmed that among the three victims was a 70-year-old resident who was caught in the attack.
The police also revealed that one of the suspected bandits was killed during the gun battle, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical attention.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police directed all security formations involved in the operation to intensify bush-combing exercises and confidence-building patrols across the affected communities.
The Command stated that security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and preventing any further attacks within the area.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and security operations.
Police assured members of the public that further updates would be released as investigations progress and more details emerge regarding the incident.
The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in parts of Kogi State, where communities have continued to face threats from armed criminal groups despite ongoing security efforts by government agencies.
