Bandits Attack Kogi School, Killing Vice Principal and Two Others, Kidnapping Three Students

Attackers Came in Army Uniform – State Govt
By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

Residents of the Iluke community in Bunu District, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have called for urgent government action after a deadly assault by armed men left three people dead, including a vice principal.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, plunged the community into mourning and raised serious concerns about security in the area.

Community sources identified Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, as one of the victims. He was reportedly killed together with two other residents during the incident.

Witnesses said the attackers remained in the area for several hours, creating fear and confusion among residents.

Some community members also claimed that students who were scheduled to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper on Wednesday were taken away during the attack.

Responding to the incident, the Kogi State Government said security forces prevented a mass abduction of students.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo said the attackers had disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community.

According to the government, three community members lost their lives, while security personnel rescued students who were allegedly being taken by the assailants.

“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 read.

The government praised military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives for their response, which it said prevented further casualties and a possible mass abduction.

Fanwo added that reports available to the government indicated the attackers had disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security forces engaged them.

He said all the students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety after a gun battle between security forces and the attackers.

The statement noted that one attacker was killed during the operation, while others reportedly escaped with injuries.

The government said security agencies had launched efforts to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

It added that additional measures were being considered to strengthen security in the affected area and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.

The state government also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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