Vice Principal, Two Others Killed as Gunmen Attack Kogi School Community

A vice principal and two other residents have been killed following a deadly attack by armed assailants on Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, also sparked fears of student abductions as residents reported that some candidates preparing to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were taken away during the invasion.

Among those killed was Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, whose death has thrown the community into mourning.

Residents said the attackers stormed the area and operated for several hours, causing panic among villagers and disrupting normal activities.

The incident came as students across the country continued examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Community members claimed that some students scheduled to write the English Language paper were whisked away by the attackers, heightening concerns over the safety of schools in the area.

However, the Kogi State Government said security operatives foiled what it described as an attempted mass abduction of students during the attack.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms before launching the operation.

According to him, intelligence and security reports indicated that the gunmen disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security personnel confronted them.

“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,” Fanwo said.

He commended soldiers, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives for their swift response, which he said prevented a larger tragedy.

The government maintained that all the students involved were rescued unharmed following an exchange of gunfire between security forces and the attackers.

Fanwo disclosed that one of the assailants was killed during the operation, while others escaped with varying degrees of injury.

He added that security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and were intensifying efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

The commissioner said the government was also considering additional measures to improve security in the affected area and prevent similar incidents.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

The latest attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Kogi State, with residents calling for increased security presence to protect lives, schools and rural communities from criminal elements.

The state government expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.