Kogi school attack in Iluke Bunu kills three including vice principal and child as police respond to bandits invasion and begin manhunt investigation
The attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has left the community in shock after armed bandits killed three people, including a school vice principal and a six-year-old child.
The violent incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday when heavily armed men invaded the school environment in large numbers, reportedly arriving on about 40 motorcycles.
The attackers were said to have stormed the area with the suspected intention of abducting students, teachers, and nearby residents, causing panic and confusion among the school community.
The first wave of the Kogi school attack threw students, staff, and villagers into chaos as gunshots echoed around the area.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that people ran in different directions for safety as the attackers attempted to gain control of the school premises.
The sudden invasion disrupted academic activities and forced many into hiding.
Security agencies were quickly alerted, leading to a rapid response coordinated by the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division.
A joint security team, consisting of police officers, the Police Mobile Force, military personnel, and local vigilante groups, was mobilised to confront the attackers.
The response marked a critical phase in the Kogi school attack, as operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, the combined security forces managed to repel the attackers, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests and surrounding bush areas.
Authorities confirmed that one of the assailants was neutralised during the shootout, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Kogi school attack resulted in the tragic loss of three lives. The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and Sunday Ayele, a six-year-old child.
Their deaths have plunged the community into mourning, with residents expressing grief and fear over the increasing insecurity in rural areas.
Preliminary assessments by security operatives suggest that although the attackers appeared to have planned a mass abduction, there is currently no conclusive evidence confirming that any students or residents were successfully kidnapped during the Kogi school attack.
However, authorities emphasized that investigations are still ongoing to establish the full details of the incident and determine whether any individuals were taken away during the chaos.
Following the Kogi school attack, the Kogi State Police Command stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations across surrounding forests.
Security patrols have also been intensified in nearby communities to prevent further attacks and to track down fleeing suspects believed to still be in the area.
The police further assured residents that coordinated efforts between security agencies are ongoing to restore normalcy and strengthen safety in schools and surrounding settlements.
Intelligence gathering and surveillance operations have been increased as part of measures to prevent a repeat of the Kogi school attack or similar incidents in the region.
Community members have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing credible information that could assist in ongoing investigations.
Authorities believe that local support will play a key role in identifying the movement of the attackers and improving response efforts.
As the situation develops, officials have promised to release further updates regarding the Kogi school attack and the progress of security operations aimed at apprehending those responsible.
PRESS RELEASE
KOGI GOVERNMENT MOURNS ILUKE VICTIMS, COMMENDS SECURITY FORCES FOR FOILING MASS ABDUCTION OF WAEC CANDIDATES
1. The Kogi State Government has received with deep sadness the report of a terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area by criminal elements who disguised themselves in military uniforms in a desperate attempt to deceive residents and perpetrate their evil act.
2. The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss.
3. Even as the State mourns the painful loss of three community members, Government commends the swift response, exceptional bravery, and gallantry of military personnel and local security forces whose intervention prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students and inflicting further casualties on the community.
4. Reports available to Government indicate that the bandits disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and had already begun marching students into the bush when security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety.
5. During the operation, security forces neutralised one of the bandits, while several others escaped with severe gunshot injuries. Security agencies are currently on the trail of the fleeing criminals and are intensifying efforts to ensure that all those connected with the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.
6. The Kogi State Government expresses profound appreciation to the military, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel whose sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to duty saved innocent lives and prevented what could have been a devastating mass abduction.
7. Government is closely monitoring the situation in the affected community and is working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area. Additional security measures will be announced in due course as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.
8. We urge residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
9. Let it be clearly stated that Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated, and uncompromising response from security agencies and the Government.
10. Once again, we sympathize with the bereaved families and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased. We also stand in solidarity with the people of Iluke Community as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and bring all those responsible for this heinous attack to justice.
Signed:
Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State
10th June 2026