Bandits killed a vice principal and two others in Kogi State on Wednesday after storming a WAEC examination centre in Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu, disrupting an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Kogi State Police Command, through spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on June 10, 2026. The Command received a distress report at about 10:00 a.m. indicating that a large group of heavily armed bandits riding about 40 motorcycles had invaded the area around Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.The three victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and a six-year-old boy, Sunday Ayele.
The heavily armed assailants, who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles and disguised themselves in military uniforms, stormed the community at about 10:00 a.m., firing sporadically before heading to Government Secondary School, Iluke, where the examination was in progress. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen disrupted the examination and attempted to force some of the students into the bush.Police spokesperson ASP Adusat Salihu confirmed the attackers targeted Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, where students were sitting for the WAEC English Language examination.
A source told reporters that three students and several residents were abducted in the attack.The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams. Military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
The Kogi State Police Command stated that “the combined security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.” Preliminary findings, according to the Command, indicate “there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.”During the exchange of fire, one of the bandits was reportedly neutralised, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo issued a statement on Wednesday, saying the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community.
Fanwo stated that reports available to the government indicated that the attackers disrupted the ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security operatives engaged them. He said all the students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety following the gun battle between security forces and the attackers.
The Kogi State Government described the incident as a terrorist attack carried out by criminal elements disguised as soldiers. The government commended military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security operatives for their response, which it said prevented further casualties and a possible mass abduction. The government stated, “The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community,” and extended condolences “to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District.”
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State ordered sustained bush-combing operations and increased patrols in the affected area. The police stated they had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice. The government also revealed that additional security measures are being considered to strengthen protection around vulnerable communities in the area.
In recent weeks, similar assaults in Oyo and Borno states resulted in the abduction of dozens of students and teachers, along with several deaths. Wednesday’s attack on the Kogi WAEC examination center intensified calls from residents and community leaders for sustained federal and state security deployments across Nigeria’s rural school communities. The Kogi State Police Command stated that “further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress.”
