By Deborah Nnamdi
Three people, including a school vice principal, were killed on Wednesday when suspected bandits attacked Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in what authorities described as an attempted mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, threw the community into panic as heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the area and targeted Government Secondary School, Iluke, where students were writing the WAEC English Language examination.
In a statement, the Kogi State Police Command said it received a distress call at about 10 a.m. that a large number of armed men riding on about 40 motorcycles had invaded the school and surrounding community with the intention of abducting students and residents.
The command said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba “A” Division immediately mobilised officers, alongside personnel of the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, local vigilantes and hunters, to confront the attackers.
According to the police, the joint security team engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. During the operation, one of the attackers was neutralised, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The police confirmed the deaths of three residents during the attack. The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
Earlier reports from residents had alleged that some students scheduled to sit for the WASSCE English Language paper were abducted during the attack, sparking widespread concern and calls for urgent intervention.
However, the Kogi State Government said security operatives successfully foiled the attempted mass abduction and rescued all affected students.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said the attackers, who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms, disrupted the ongoing examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security operatives intervened.
Fanwo said all the students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety following the gun battle between security forces and the attackers.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss,” the statement said.
The government commended military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives for their swift response, noting that their actions prevented further casualties and a possible large-scale kidnapping.
Residents of the community described the incident as another tragic setback amid growing insecurity in the area and called on the government to strengthen security measures to protect lives and property.
The police said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack and noted that there was no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction. The command added that efforts had been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and increased patrols across the affected area, while both the state government and security agencies urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
