Armed bandits invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday, killing three people, including a vice principal, and abducting several students during an attack that targeted candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 9:45 a.m., causing panic among students, teachers and residents.
According to local sources, the gunmen targeted the Universal Basic Education examination centre in Iluke Bunu, where students from three communities were writing the ongoing WASSCE.
Among those killed was Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharan Bunu. Two other victims identified by police were 70 year old Sunday Jacob Alhassan and six year old Sunday Ayele.
Witnesses said at least three students and several residents were taken away by the attackers before security forces responded.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack, revealing that the gunmen arrived in large numbers on about 40 motorcycles with the apparent aim of abducting students and residents. Police said a joint team comprising officers, military personnel, tactical units and local vigilantes engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests.
Police spokespersons disclosed that one bandit was killed during the exchange of fire, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment.
Chairman of Kabba Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He assured residents that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
The latest assault adds to growing concerns over school related attacks in Nigeria. Recent reports show hundreds of students and school staff have been abducted across the country in the past three years despite government safe school initiatives.
Security operatives have launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers as investigations continue to determine the full number of victims and those abducted.
