Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons in what security authorities described as a failed mass abduction attempt.
- +Gunmen invade Kogi school, kill three as security forces repel abduction bid
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked panic in the community as students were reportedly writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked panic in the community as students were reportedly writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Saliu Oyiza, the Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, said the attackers stormed the area on about 40 motorcycles with the intention of abducting students and residents. He said security operatives received a distress call around 10 a.m. and immediately deployed a joint team comprising personnel from the Kabba ‘A’ Division, Police Mobile Force, tactical units, soldiers and local vigilantes to confront the assailants.
According to the police, the security team engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. One of the attackers was reportedly killed during the operation, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The command, however, stated that preliminary investigations had not confirmed reports of a successful mass abduction of students or residents, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Despite the police position, residents quoted by media reports alleged that some students were kidnapped during the invasion.
They claimed the attackers targeted the examination centre where students from three neighbouring communities were sitting for the WASSCE, raising fears over the safety of schools in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus Michael, the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He assured residents that the council was collaborating with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and prevent further attacks on schools and communities within the area.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over renewed attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria, with schools in several states facing increasing threats from armed groups targeting students and teachers for kidnapping.
