The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that security operatives successfully repelled an attempted bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where students were sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Adusat Salihu, the attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. when armed bandits reportedly invaded the Iluke community and targeted the school with the alleged intention of abducting students and residents.
The command said intelligence reports indicated that the attackers, numbering several dozens, arrived on approximately 40 motorcycles before launching the assault on the community.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba “A” Division swiftly mobilised police personnel, including officers from the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units. Military personnel and local vigilante groups also joined the operation.
The joint security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests and bushes.
“The attackers were confronted by a combined team of police operatives, military personnel and vigilantes, leading to a gun duel that compelled the criminals to flee,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Police repel bandits attack, rescues four abducted victims
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations have not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents, adding that efforts were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Despite the successful repulsion of the attack, three people lost their lives during the invasion. The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The command also confirmed that one of the suspected bandits was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
A member of the security team 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 intensified patrols across the affected communities to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.
Authorities assured the public that every effort is being made to track down those responsible and bring them to justice, while promising to provide further updates as investigations and security operations continue.