Armed bandits on Wednesday invaded a secondary school serving as a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) centre in Kogi State, killing a vice principal and two other persons in a brazen attack that sent students and residents fleeing for safety.
The attack occurred at about 10:00 a.m. at Government Secondary School, Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where students were reportedly writing the ongoing WAEC examination.
In a statement issued by the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers, numbering dozens and riding on about 40 motorcycles, stormed the community with the suspected intention of abducting students and residents.
The police said a coordinated response involving operatives from Kabba ‘A’ Division, the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes was immediately activated following a distress call.
The joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
Despite the successful repulsion of the attack, three persons lost their lives.
The victims were identified as the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose; a 70-year-old resident, Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
“The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police stated.
One of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The incident triggered panic among candidates sitting for the WAEC examination, heightening concerns over the growing threat posed by armed groups to educational institutions and the safety of students across the country.
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The police, however, clarified that there was no conclusive evidence at the time of filing the report that any student had been successfully abducted, contrary to initial fears. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack.
Following the incident, Commissioner of Police in Kogi State ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected communities.
Joint security teams comprising police officers, military personnel, and local vigilantes have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing criminals and prevent further attacks.
The command urged residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the security of schools and examination centres nationwide, especially as thousands of candidates continue to sit for the ongoing 2026 WASSCE.