Nigeria: Terrorists kill 3 in Kogi School attack
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Gunmen attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, on June 11, killing three people including Vice Principal Ganiyu Anifowose, and abducting three WAEC students writing English Language exams.
The Kogi State Police Command said security operatives repelled the attackers, who came on about 40 motorcycles at around 10:00 a.m. In a gun battle, one bandit was killed, while police, military and vigilante personnel sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Police said no mass abduction occurred and that investigations are ongoing. The command confirmed two other victims as 70-year-old Sunday Jacob Alhassan and 6-year-old Sunday Ayele.
Kogi State Government commended security forces for preventing a mass abduction. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo said bandits disguised in military uniforms disrupted the WAEC exam and were attempting to march students into the bush when security operatives engaged them. All students were rescued unharmed, and operations to track fleeing attackers are ongoing.
Edo State Government ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo LGA – Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School – following intelligence of a planned kidnapping targeting students. The directive, signed by Permanent Secretary Enodolomwanyi Otamere, suspends all academic activities indefinitely.
The move followed a DSS report that suspected bandits were planning mass abductions in Edo North after communications were intercepted. A 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance at Makeke Secondary School. WASSCE candidates will continue writing exams under enhanced security.
In Niger State, parents stormed schools in Minna to withdraw their children amid rumours of a terrorists’ invasion. The state police command dismissed the reports as false, saying no school was invaded, and urged the public to disregard misinformation. The Commissioner of Police directed DPOs to intensify patrols around schools.
In Lagos, panic erupted at Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College when a teacher dressed as a terrorist for a National Awareness Day programme on banditry. Students and staff mistook him for a real attacker, triggering a stampede. Parents rushed to schools before it was clarified that it was a prank.
The Northern Elders Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency, citing worsening attacks across the country. The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum made a similar call, urging increased funding for security agencies and the creation of special courts for terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry case.
