Bandits on Wednesday stormed Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a vice principal and two others, while targeting students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the assailants, who reportedly rode into the community on motorcycles around 9:45am, attacked examination centres where candidates from neighbouring communities had assembled for the ongoing WASSCE.
Among those killed was the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, Mr. Gani Anifowose. Two other victims — identified as Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70, and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele — were also shot dead during the invasion.
Residents said the attackers specifically targeted students writing the examination, sparking panic across Iluke Bunu and adjoining communities.
A source said, “The attackers came in large numbers and headed straight for the school where WAEC exams were ongoing. Students and residents fled in different directions as gunshots rented the air.”
There were conflicting accounts over the number of students abducted, with some locals claiming that at least three candidates were taken away alongside other residents.
However, the Kogi State Police Command said there was no conclusive evidence yet to confirm a mass abduction.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza, who confirmed the attack in a statement, said the gunmen invaded the community in large numbers on about 40 motorcycles.
He said, “At about 10:00am, the command received distress information that heavily armed bandits had invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
“Operatives of the Kabba ‘A’ Division, in collaboration with the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, the military, and local vigilantes, were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“The joint team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush.”
Oyiza added that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange, while a security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
He said security forces had launched a manhunt for the fleeing assailants and intensified operations to prevent further attacks in the area.
Reacting, the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, unfortunate, and unacceptable.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that authorities were working with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The local government is committed to protecting lives and property. Measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” he said.
The latest attack underscores growing concerns over the safety of schools and examination centres in parts of the country, especially in rural communities vulnerable to armed banditry.
As of the time of filing this report, tension remained high in Iluke Bunu, with many parents reportedly withdrawing their children from school over fears of further attacks.
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