Panic and grief swept through Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday after heavily armed bandits attacked a secondary school community, leaving three people dead, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the assailants, who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles, invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Security agencies believe the attackers intended to carry out a large-scale abduction of students and residents.

Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly mobilized a joint security team comprising police officers, tactical units, and operatives of the Police Mobile Force in response to distress calls from the area.

Military personnel and local vigilantes already deployed in the community also joined the operation. The combined forces confronted the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests.

Authorities stated that preliminary investigations have not established any confirmed case of mass kidnapping arising from the attack, although security agencies are continuing assessments and investigations to determine the full extent of the incident.

The victims identified by the police include Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The Command further revealed that one of the suspected bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified security operations, including extensive bush-combing exercises and confidence-building patrols across the affected area. Security operatives remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects as efforts continue to prevent further attacks.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and support security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations.