The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed an attack by suspected terrorists who invaded Iluke Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday, and killed the Vice Principal of the school and two other people.
The police said that said its operatives, who confronted the attackers, repelled what it described as a planned mass abduction of students and residents.
According to the police, the attackers, numbering dozens and riding about 40 motorcycles, invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, at about 10am on Wednesday with the suspected intention of kidnapping students and members of the community.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the police said a distress call prompted an immediate security response led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division.
Afusat noted that police personnel, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams were swiftly mobilised to the area.
Afusat added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already deployed in the community were also alerted and joined the operation.
The police spokesperson said the combined security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the bandits to retreat into nearby bushes.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Afusat said.
However, despite the repulsion of the attackers, the police confirmed that three people were killed during the attack.
Afusat identified the victims as the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, 70-year-old Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The police expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Afusat also stated that one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a security operative attached to the joint task force sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area.
Afusat said joint security teams comprising police officers, military personnel, and local vigilantes had launched intensive manhunt operations to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while continuing to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
(SaharaReporters)
