Bandits Storm Secondary School, Kill Vice Principal, Six-Year-Old Child, Elderly Resident

Bandits Storm Secondary School, Kill Vice Principal, Six-Year-Old Child, Elderly Resident

June 10, 2026

Residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have been thrown into grief and fear following a deadly attack by heavily armed bandits who invaded a secondary school community, killing three people, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.

The brazen attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday when scores of gunmen, reportedly riding on approximately 40 motorcycles, stormed Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in what security authorities believe was a planned kidnapping operation targeting students and residents.

The sudden invasion sent panic across the community as frightened students, teachers, and residents scrambled for safety while gunshots echoed through the area.

Among those killed during the attack were Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; 70-year-old Sunday Jacob Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele, whose death has sparked outrage and sorrow among community members.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command disclosed that security operatives swiftly responded after receiving distress calls from the community. According to the Command's spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a coordinated security response involving police personnel, officers of the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area.

The combined security forces engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat into nearby bushes.

"The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush," the police spokesperson stated.

Authorities said preliminary investigations have not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents, contrary to initial fears that the attack was aimed at carrying out a large-scale kidnapping operation.

However, security agencies noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the incident and verify reports from the affected community.

In the exchange of gunfire, one of the bandits was reportedly neutralised by security operatives, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The attack has once again highlighted growing security concerns in parts of Kogi State and the increasing vulnerability of schools and rural communities to attacks by armed criminal groups.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State ordered intensified bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the area to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further violence.

Security operatives have since launched an extensive manhunt for the suspects, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The police assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend those responsible for the attack and restore confidence among residents.

As the community mourns the loss of the victims, many residents have called for stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks and protect innocent lives from the growing threat posed by armed bandits.

The Kogi State Police Command said further updates would be provided as investigations and security operations continue.