Bandits Killed Kogi School Vice Principal and Two Others as Troops Foiled Student Abduction Attempt

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Armed bandits killed the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha Bunu, and two others during an attack on secondary schools in Iluke and its surroundings in Kabba/Bunu Local Government of Kogi.

At the same time, troops of the Nigerian Army neutralised one of the bandits who had invaded the community.

THISDAY reports that the Iluke community was attacked by armed bandits on Wednesday morning in an attempt to abduct students taking their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The main target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students were sitting for their WAEC examination at the time of the invasion.

During the invasion, Mr. Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, was killed along with two other persons.

Sources further revealed that troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at Suku-Kiri Bunu, a nearby community, swiftly responded to the distress call, arrived in Iluke Bunu, and successfully foiled what could have resulted in a mass abduction of students and staff of the school.

The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area has confirmed the attack, while residents continue to express concerns over the growing insecurity in the area.

In the ensuing confrontation, one of the bandits was neutralised by the troops, while the remaining attackers fled the scene.

Meanwhile, the mere presence of the bandits suggests that some residents are still unaccounted for following the invasion, raising concerns that additional victims may have been abducted or displaced during the attack.

In a swift reaction, the Kogi State Government said it had received with deep sadness the report of a terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area by criminal elements who disguised themselves in military uniforms in a desperate attempt to deceive residents and perpetrate their evil act.

“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss.”

“Even as the State mourns the painful loss of three community members, Government commends the swift response, exceptional bravery, and gallantry of military personnel and local security forces whose intervention prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students and inflicting further casualties on the community.”

“No reports available to Government indicate that the bandits disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and had already begun marching students into the bush when security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety,” it said.