Bandits stormed a Kogi school, killing a 6-year-old child, and three others

A large number of bandits on Wednesday stormed the Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of ​​Kogi State and killed a number of people.

The attack that left the community in chaos and fear led to the deaths of a six-year-old child, a school deputy principal and one other person.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, who said the armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorbikes, stormed the school with the alleged intention of kidnapping students and other residents.

The statement said Divisional Police Officers of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately deployed a joint security response after receiving the emergency call, deploying personnel from the police division, National Police Task Force and tactical team.

He added that military personnel and vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.

“Joint security operatives engaged in a heavy firefight with the criminals, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes.

“Preliminary findings indicate that there is currently no conclusive evidence of the success of mass abductions of students or other citizens.

“However, ongoing investigations and assessments are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

However, the Command confirmed that three people were killed in the attack.

“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, Deputy Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six.”

Police said one of the attackers was neutralized in the crossfire, while a member of the joint security team suffered a gunshot wound and is currently receiving treatment.

The Police Commissioner has ordered ongoing forest combing operations and confidence building patrols in the affected areas. According to the Command, joint security operations are still carrying out intensive operations to arrest the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

The public is urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation and operations progress,” the statement added.