What began as a normal school day in Iluke Bunu, a quiet community in Kogi State’s Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, turned into a scene of terror on Wednesday when heavily armed men swept into the area, leaving three people dead, including a school administrator and a young child.
Among those killed were Ganiyu Anifowose, a vice principal, 70-year-old Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele. Their deaths have plunged the community into grief and renewed worries about the safety of residents in parts of the state.
The Kogi State Police Command said the attackers arrived in large numbers, travelling on about 40 motorcycles, and targeted the school and nearby surroundings in what authorities believe may have been an attempt to carry out kidnappings.
Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, said emergency calls from residents prompted an immediate response from security agencies. Officers from Kabba ‘A’ Division, tactical police units and the Police Mobile Force moved to the area, supported by soldiers and local vigilante members already operating within the community.
Security personnel confronted the assailants in a gun battle that forced them to retreat into nearby bushes before they could carry out further attacks.
Although fears initially spread that students may have been abducted, the police said there was, for now, no evidence to suggest that a mass kidnapping had taken place. Investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the incident.
The Command disclosed that one of the gunmen was killed during the exchange of fire. It also confirmed that a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical attention.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police directed security operatives to intensify search operations across the area and maintain increased patrols aimed at reassuring residents and preventing another assault.
The police appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and share useful information that could assist in tracking down the fleeing suspects.
Authorities said updates would be provided as investigations and ongoing operations unfold.
