Bandits have killed three persons, including a vice principal and a 6-year-old child in an attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday while the the school was in session.
In a confirmation of the incident via a statement its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat released, the Kogi State Police Command said armed bandits on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the aim of abducting students and other residents.
However, a distress call acted on by the police, prompting officers to move to the scene, where they met military personnel and local vigilante groups on ground derailed the bandits’ plan.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“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 statement said.
The Command confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.
“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”
It added that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
