By Paul Aondoakaa 

Armed bandits on Wednesday attacked Iluke Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a vice principal and two other persons during an attempted mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Military troops reportedly intervened, preventing what residents fear could have become a large-scale kidnapping incident.

Iluke Bunu, a community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, came under attack from armed bandits on the morning of June 10, 2026, in an incident that targeted students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to reports, the attackers stormed the area with the apparent intention of abducting students and school personnel at UBE Iluke Bunu, where candidates were sitting for their examination.

During the attack, Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, was reportedly killed alongside two other individuals.

Residents said troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at nearby Suku-Kiri Bunu responded after receiving distress calls from the community. Their intervention reportedly disrupted the operation and prevented the mass abduction of students and staff.

Sources indicated that one suspected bandit was neutralized during the confrontation, while other members of the armed group fled the area.
The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area has confirmed the attack. However, concerns remain over reports that some residents are still unaccounted for following the invasion.

As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not released an official casualty breakdown beyond the reported deaths, and investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the incident.

The attack has heightened fears among residents over persistent insecurity in parts of Kogi State, particularly attacks targeting schools, rural communities, and vulnerable populations.