Kogi: Bandits Kill Vice Principal, Two Others In Attempt To Kidnap WAEC Candidates

BANDITS, on Wednesday morning, June 10, invaded Government Secondary School in Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Council of Kogi State, and attempted to abduct students writing the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination, killing one Gani Anifowose, identified as vice principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; 70-year-old Sunday Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

    The attackers were later repelled by troops from nearby Nigerian Army formation in Suku-Kiri, Bunu, who, responding quickly to a distress call, engaged the bandits in a gun battle, neutralising one of them, while others escaped into nearby bushes, some with gunshot wounds, in what could have become another mass abduction of students.

     The attack forced many residents to flee as gunshots echoed across the area. One of them explained: “We woke up to heavy gunfire this morning. 

    “The bandits came into the community and there was panic everywhere. People were running for safety, while students writing WAEC were thrown into fear. 

   “If not for the quick intervention of soldiers from the nearby military formation and vigilantes, many students would have been taken away. The soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.

    “Our community is under serious threat. We heard gunshots for a long time. People are still searching for some residents and we don’t know their whereabouts yet.” 

    The state Police Command spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, said security operatives responded after receiving distress calls from residents.

    Saliu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the assailants, who arrived on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the community and the school premises about 10 a.m.

    She explained that the divisional Police officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division mobilised personnel from the division, the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units, while military personnel and local vigilantes already stationed in the area joined the operation.

    According to her: “The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes.

   “Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.   

    “However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”