Gunmen on Wednesday attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal, and abducting three students.
The attack occurred at about 9:45 a.m. while students were writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Residents said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers, stormed the community and targeted the examination centre where students from different communities had gathered for the ongoing WAEC examination.
Among those killed was Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu. Two other victims, identified as Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele, also lost their lives during the attack.
The Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.
Confirming the attack, the Kogi State Police Command said heavily armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles invaded the area with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza, said security operatives, including police officers, military personnel, tactical teams, and local vigilantes, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
According to the police, one suspected bandit was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a security operative sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.
Although reports from residents indicated that some students and community members were abducted, the police said investigations were still ongoing and there was no conclusive evidence of a mass abduction at the time of filing this report.
Security agencies have since intensified operations in the area to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks.
