A wave of grief swept through Iluke Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday after armed bandits attacked a secondary school, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The attack, which occurred at about 10 a.m., targeted Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, and triggered panic among students, teachers and residents as heavily armed gunmen stormed the area.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the attackers arrived in large numbers on about 40 motorcycles and were believed to have intended to carry out a mass abduction of students and residents.
The attack is the latest in a series of security incidents that have continued to affect parts of Kogi State and other areas of the North-Central region, where communities have faced threats from bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, the command said security operatives responded swiftly after receiving distress calls from the community.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised personnel from the police division, Police Mobile Force and other tactical units to confront the attackers.
The police added that military personnel and local vigilante members already stationed in the area joined the operation, leading to a fierce gun battle with the bandits.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush,” the statement said.
The command noted that preliminary investigations showed there was no conclusive evidence that the attackers succeeded in carrying out a mass abduction during the incident.
“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 police stated.
Despite the successful resistance mounted by security operatives, the attack left three people dead and several families in mourning.
Those killed were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary and Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, a 70-year-old resident of the community; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The death of the vice principal has particularly shocked residents and members of the education community, who described him as a dedicated teacher committed to the development of young people in the area.
The killing of a young child during the attack has also heightened public outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities.
According to the police, one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire with security personnel.
A member of the joint security team also sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The police did not disclose the identity of the injured operative but said efforts were ongoing to ensure his recovery.
Wednesday’s attack has once again drawn attention to growing security concerns in parts of Kogi State.
Although Kogi is often viewed as a gateway state connecting northern and southern Nigeria, several communities in recent years have experienced attacks linked to banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery.
Criminal groups have increasingly targeted rural settlements, highways and schools, taking advantage of difficult terrain and forested areas to launch attacks and escape from security forces.
Across Nigeria, schools have become frequent targets of criminal gangs seeking to kidnap students and staff for ransom.
Over the past few years, several mass abductions have been recorded in states including Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Kebbi, prompting authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions.
The Federal Government had introduced the Safe Schools Initiative and other measures aimed at protecting students and teachers from attacks. However, security challenges continue to pose serious threats to learning in many rural communities.
Residents of Iluke Bunu said the latest attack has left many parents worried about the safety of their children.
Some community members expressed fears that the incident could discourage school attendance if additional security measures are not put in place.
Following the attack, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police directed security agencies to intensify operations across the affected area.
The command said sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols had been ordered to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Security operatives have since continued searches in surrounding forests and nearby communities in an effort to arrest members of the gang responsible for the attack.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
According to the command, residents should report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities to help prevent future incidents.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
As residents mourn the loss of the three victims, many are calling for stronger security presence in vulnerable communities and around schools across the state.
The attack has once again highlighted the challenges facing rural communities in Nigeria, where insecurity continues to threaten lives, education and economic activities.