A tragic attack by suspected bandits on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has left three people dead, including a vice principal, a six-year-old boy, and a 70-year-old resident.
The attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. today, raising fresh concerns about security in the area.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Afusat, the assailants arrived in large numbers on approximately 40 motorcycles and were believed to be targeting students and residents for abduction.
Upon receiving distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response involving police personnel, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, military officers, and local vigilantes already stationed in the area.
Security forces reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
The police stated that preliminary investigations have not confirmed any successful mass abduction of students or residents.
However, authorities noted that investigations and assessments are still ongoing to establish the full details of the incident.
During the exchange of gunfire, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has directed security personnel to intensify bush-combing operations, surveillance, and confidence-building patrols across the affected communities.
Joint security teams are continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that may assist ongoing investigations and operations.
The police assured the public that further updates would be provided as more details emerge from the investigation.
