Bandits Attack Kogi School During WAEC Exam, Kill Vice Principal, Six-Year-Old Boy

Three people lost their lives after bandits attacked a school in Kogi State during an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

A statement issued by the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, Saliu Afusat,  said the victims included a school vice principal, a six-year-old boy, and a 70-year-old man.

It was gathered that the attack occurred on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Police said they received an emergency report around 10 a.m. that a large group of armed bandits riding about 40 motorcycles had stormed the community, allegedly intending to abduct students and residents.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Kabba ‘A’ Division, immediately activated a coordinated security response by mobilizing personnel from the Division, alongside operatives of the Police Mobile Force and the Command’s Tactical Teams,” the statement reads.

“Other security personnel already deployed in the area, including military personnel and local vigilante groups, were equally alerted and joined the operation.”

The command said security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.

In another statement, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that the attack disrupted students who were writing their WAEC examinations.

He said the gunmen had reportedly begun leading some students away before security forces intervened.

The state government praised the efforts of the military, vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel, saying their swift response helped prevent what could have become a large-scale abduction.

“Let it be clearly stated that Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated, and uncompromising response from security agencies and the Government,” the statement reads.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate there was “no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents”.

The police, however, said investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Regrettably, during the attack, three persons lost their lives. They include Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged 6 years,” the police said.

The police expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and assured residents that efforts are underway to bring those responsible to justice.

The command also disclosed that one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while some members of the joint security team sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified security operations, including bush-combing exercises and patrols across the affected communities.

“Joint security operatives comprising the Police, military personnel, and local vigilantes are currently conducting intensive operations aimed at apprehending the fleeing criminals and preventing any further threat to lives and property.

“Members of the public are to remain calm, vigilant, and should continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing operations.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress, ” the statement reads.

KanyiDaily had previously reported how gunmen attacked a school and orphanage in Kogi, kidnapping 23 pupils along with the wife of the school owner.