BREAKING: Gunmen storm Kogi school, kill vice principal, two others, abduct WAEC candidates

Bandits have invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including the vice principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and abducting some students during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Residents said the attack occurred around 9:45am on Wednesday, when students from several communities were sitting for their WAEC examinations.

Eyewitnesses said the armed men stormed the school community in large numbers and targeted students writing the examination.

“The major target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students from three communities were sitting for their WAEC examination at the time of the invasion,” a resident said.

The vice principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, Mr. Gani Anifowose, was among those killed alongside two other residents identified as Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70, and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele. Several students and residents were also abducted during the attack.

The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the incident, describing it as “unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable,” while assuring that efforts were underway to track down the attackers.

He said the local government was working closely with security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.

The Kogi State Police Command also confirmed the attack, saying the assailants, numbering about 40 and operating on motorcycles, invaded the community with the intention of abducting students and other residents.

According to the police, operatives including tactical units, mobile police personnel, military personnel and local vigilantes were mobilised and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into surrounding bushes.

The command said preliminary findings had yet to confirm a successful mass abduction, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

It further stated that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Security agencies have since launched follow-up operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and restore calm in the affected area.