Kogi School Massacre: Vice Principal, Two Others Killed in Brutal Kidnap Attempt
Armed bandits in military disguise attacked schools in Kogi State during WASSCE, killing three including a vice principal, before security forces repelled the assault and rescued all students.
Iluke Community in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State recently experienced a devastating attack by armed bandits, locally dubbed as terrorists, who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms.
The assailants targeted secondary schools in the area, specifically during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Wednesday morning, intending to abduct students and residents.
During the invasion, Mr. Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, also identified as UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, was tragically killed. Alongside him, 70-year-old Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan and six-year-old Sunday Ayele also lost their lives in the brutal assault.
One security operative attached to the joint task force sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
However, what could have been a mass abduction was swiftly foiled due to the prompt and courageous response of security forces.
Troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at Suku-Kiri Bunu, along with personnel from the Kogi State Police Command, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, and local vigilante groups, were immediately mobilized to the scene.
These combined security teams engaged the attackers, who numbered dozens and were reportedly riding about 40 motorcycles, in a fierce gun battle.
The superior firepower and professionalism of the security agents forced the bandits to retreat into nearby bushes. Crucially, all the students who were caught in the midst of the attack were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety.
In the confrontation, one of the bandits was neutralized, while the remaining attackers fled the scene, prompting an intensive manhunt operation.
The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the Kogi State Government, and the Kogi State Police Command have all confirmed the attack.
The Kogi State Government extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and commended the gallantry of the security personnel for preventing a larger tragedy.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, stated that preliminary findings indicate no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents, though investigations are ongoing.
Despite the repulsion of the attackers, residents continue to express grave concerns over the growing insecurity in the area. The mere presence of the bandits has raised fears that some residents might still be unaccounted for or displaced during the attack.
The incident has also heightened fears in communities bordering Kwara State, which have seen persistent bandit attacks and kidnappings.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and provide timely information to aid ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.