Security Forces Repel School Attack in Kogi, Three Killed
A joint security team on Wednesday repelled an attack by suspected bandits on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what authorities believe could have been a large-scale abduction.
The attack occurred around 10 a.m. when a large group of armed men, reportedly riding about 40 motorcycles, invaded the community and targeted the school.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, security operatives responded quickly after receiving distress calls. Personnel from the police, Police Mobile Force, military and local vigilante groups were mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
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Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the combined security effort forced the gunmen to flee into the surrounding bush.
The command stated that preliminary findings showed no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or residents, although investigations were continuing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
Despite the intervention, three people lost their lives during the attack. They 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.
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The police also confirmed that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire. A member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered continuous bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the area. Security operatives are also carrying out further operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent additional attacks.
The command urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations