Jun 10, 2026

BREAKING: Bandits Kill Vice Principal, Two Others in Kogi School Raid

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

Lokoja, Kogi State – June 10, 2026 - Armed bandits on dozens of motorcycles stormed Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Wednesday morning, killing the Vice Principal and two other persons while attempting to abduct students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The attack occurred around 9:45 a.m. at UBE Iluke Bunu, where students from surrounding communities were writing their exams.

Eyewitnesses and security sources said the heavily armed assailants, numbering several dozens and riding about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the clear intention of kidnapping students and residents.

A swift and coordinated response by security agencies prevented what could have been a mass abduction.

The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division, Police Mobile Force, military personnel, and local vigilante groups engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

One of the attackers was neutralised, while the rest fled into the surrounding bushes. One security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

Confirmed fatalities include Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and a six-year-old child, Sunday Ayele.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the deaths but stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of any abductions.

While some residents claimed a few students and locals were taken, police noted there is no conclusive evidence of a successful mass kidnapping, with reports suggesting any abducted persons may have been rescued during the operation.

The Kogi State Government has commended the prompt intervention of security forces for foiling the abduction attempt and described the incident as tragic.

The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable,” expressed condolences to the affected families, and vowed to work closely with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent future incidents.

This latest attack highlights the persistent threat of banditry in parts of Kogi State and raises fresh concerns about the safety of schools, especially during national examinations.

It comes amid broader worries over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where armed groups have increasingly targeted educational institutions and communities.

Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing bandits, while investigations continue to establish the exact number of any persons abducted and the motives behind the assault.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Iluke Bunu community, with many calling for enhanced security measures around schools to protect students and staff during this critical examination period.