Breaking: Bandits Kill Vice Principal, Disrupt Exam as Students Go Missing

Fear and confusion have engulfed Iluke community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on a secondary school, killing three persons, including a vice principal, and disrupting an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Residents said the heavily armed attackers stormed the community on Wednesday morning, sparking panic among students, teachers and residents.

Among those killed was Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke. Also slain were a 70-year-old resident, Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele.

The attack reportedly caused chaos during the conduct of the WASSCE English Language examination, with initial reports alleging that students from three neighbouring communities scheduled to sit for the examination were abducted by the assailants.

The development triggered widespread panic, forcing many parents to keep their children indoors while teachers reportedly expressed fears about returning to classrooms.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza, disclosed that the attackers invaded the school and surrounding community at about 10 a.m.

According to the police, the bandits, numbering dozens and riding on about 40 motorcycles, were suspected to have targeted students and residents for abduction.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised personnel alongside operatives of the Police Mobile Force, Tactical Teams, military personnel and local vigilantes already deployed in the area,” the statement said.

The police said security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.

During the exchange of fire, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while a security operative attached to the joint task force sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Despite reports of student abductions, the police said preliminary investigations had yet to establish conclusive evidence of a successful mass kidnapping.

“Investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to clarify the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the command stated.

Reacting to the attack, Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the killings, describing the incident as “tragic, barbaric and unacceptable.”

He extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators.

“The Local Government Administration is working closely with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to implement effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

Joint security teams comprising the police, military and local vigilantes have launched intensive operations across the area to apprehend the fleeing attackers and prevent further assaults on communities.