Vice principal, two persons killed as bandits attack Kogi school during WAEC examination
Suspected bandits on Wednesday invaded Government Secondary School in Iluke community, Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi state, killing the school’s vice-principal and two other persons during an attack that disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attackers, said to be dressed in military uniforms, stormed the school at about 10am while senior secondary school III students were writing their examination.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on more than 40 motorcycles and opened fire, causing panic among students, teachers and residents, who fled for safety.
The attack led to the death of the vice-principal and two other persons, while several students and residents were initially feared abducted.
However, the Kogi state police command said a swift intervention by security agencies foiled what appeared to be a planned mass abduction.
Saliu Afusat, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement that the divisional police officer (DPO) of Kabba ‘A’ Division mobilised a joint security team immediately after receiving distress calls.
She said the team comprised operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Police Mobile Force, military personnel, tactical units and local vigilantes.
According to her, the security operatives engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests.
She added that preliminary investigations showed there was no conclusive evidence that students or residents were successfully abducted during the attack.
“Upon receiving distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilized a joint security response,” the statement reads.
The Kogi state government also confirmed the incident and expressed sorrow over the killing of three residents of Iluke community.
Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, said the attackers attempted to abduct students writing the WASSCE but were repelled by security personnel.
According to him, reports available to the government indicated that the gunmen had begun marching some students into the bush before security operatives intervened.
Fanwo said the students were rescued unharmed following the operation.
He added that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The commissioner said security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.
Fanwo commended the military, vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives involved in the rescue effort, describing their intervention as crucial in preventing a mass abduction.
He assured residents that the state government was working closely with security agencies to strengthen security in the area and protect lives and property.
The state government reiterated its commitment to combating criminal activities and maintaining peace across the state.
