Horror in Kogi as Gunmen Disrupt WAEC Exams, Kill Vice Principal, 6-Year-Old, and One Other

A devastating morning raid disrupted academic activities in Kogi State today as heavily armed gunmen stormed a secondary school, leaving a vice principal and two community members including a young child dead.

The tragic incident unfolded at the UBE Primary and Secondary School premises in Iluke Bunu, within the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. The attackers, who arrived in massive numbers on about 40 motorcycles and reportedly wore military camouflage to deceive locals, invaded the school compound around 10:00 a.m. Their assault targeted students who were in the middle of writing their critical West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper.

Panicked gunshots shattered the school’s peaceful environment, claiming the lives of three individuals. Among the deceased is Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the dedicated Vice Principal of the institution. The gunfire also tragically claimed the lives of a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele, and a 70-year-old elder, Sunday Alhassan.

The situation could have escalated into a catastrophic mass kidnapping if not for a rapid, synchronized intervention by security forces. Responding to urgent distress calls, a combined team comprising the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military troops stationed nearby, and local hunters rushed to the scene.

A fierce gun battle ensued between the joint security operatives and the invaders. Outgunned, the criminals were forced to abandon their mission and retreat into the dense forest. During the gunfight, one of the attackers was killed, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Initial panic left residents fearing that several WAEC candidates had been dragged into the wilderness. However, the Kogi State Police Command and the State Government have reassured the public that the mass abduction plot was entirely foiled. Authorities stated that security personnel successfully intercepted the fleeing hoodlums and rescued the students unharmed.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, extended deep condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Iluke community, praising the bravery of the local vigilantes and security agencies. Intensive bush-combing operations are actively ongoing across the local government area to hunt down the remaining suspects and restore safety to the shaken community.