Bandits Invade Kogi School, Kill Vice Principal, Abduct Students During WAEC Examination
KOGI, NIGERIA – June 10, 2026
Panic and grief swept through Iluke Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday after heavily armed bandits invaded a secondary school, killing the Vice Principal and two other residents while abducting some students during an ongoing examination.
According to reports, the attackers stormed Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, at about 9:45 a.m., targeting students who were sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Community sources identified the slain Vice Principal as Mr. Gani Anifowose, who was reportedly shot dead alongside two other victims during the attack. The other deceased persons were identified by police as Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
Residents said the bandits arrived in large numbers, riding on approximately 40 motorcycles, and unleashed terror on the community, causing students and residents to flee for safety.
A local source disclosed that the examination centre was hosting students from three neighbouring communities, making the school a major target.
"The major target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students from three communities were sitting for their WAEC examination at the time of the invasion.
Three students and several residents were abducted," the source said.
However, the Kogi State Police Command has urged caution regarding reports of a mass abduction.
In a statement issued by the Command's spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza, the police confirmed that heavily armed bandits invaded the community with the intention of kidnapping students and residents.
The statement revealed that the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba 'A' Division immediately mobilised officers, including operatives of the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes to confront the attackers.
The joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
Police disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange, while a security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Despite eyewitness claims that students were abducted, authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact number of persons taken away.
"Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents. Investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident," the police said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as "unfortunate, barbaric and unacceptable."
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent future occurrences.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the safety of schools across Nigeria, particularly as criminal gangs increasingly target educational institutions despite renewed security efforts by authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, joint security operatives remained in the area conducting search operations to locate the fleeing bandits and ascertain the whereabouts of any missing persons.
Twisdic Info Reports will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more details emerge.
Sources: The incident was confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command and local authorities. Initial reports indicated student abductions, while police said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact number of victims taken by the attackers.