Suspected bandits launched a violent attack on the Iluke-Bunu community in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday, resulting in three deaths.
The assailants reportedly arrived on approximately 40 motorcycles, wearing military disguises, with the intent of abducting students who were sitting for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to local residents, the gunmen struck at 10:00 a.m., firing sporadically before targeting the Government Secondary School in Iluke.
Witnesses noted that the attackers interrupted the exams and began forcing students into the bush, but the situation was brought under control following a rapid response from security forces.
The Kogi State Police Command, through spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed that they received a distress call and immediately deployed a joint task force consisting of the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, military personnel, and local vigilantes.
A fierce gun battle followed, which forced the attackers to flee into the surrounding wilderness.
While the police confirmed that no mass abduction occurred, they identified the three individuals killed as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, a Vice Principal at UBE Secondary/Primary School; 70-year-old Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The Command also noted that one attacker was neutralized, and one security operative was injured during the clash.
The Commissioner of Police has since ordered intensive patrols and bush-combing operations to apprehend the remaining suspects.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Government condemned the incident as a terrorist act.
The government praised the security teams for their bravery, stating, “Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety.”
Fanwo added that several attackers fled with gunshot wounds and emphasized that the state remains resilient.
“Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated and uncompromising response from security agencies and the Government,” he stated.
The government concluded by offering its condolences to the grieving families and pledging to continue efforts to secure the area and bring the perpetrators to justice.
