Bandits attack Kogi community, kill school principal, abduct WAEC candidates

Bandits attack Kogi community, kill school principal, abduct WAEC candidates

Tension and fear have gripped the Iluke Bunu community in Kogi State following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left a school principal dead and several students reportedly abducted while preparing for their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers.

The victim, identified as Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, was reportedly killed during the early morning attack. Residents described the incident as a major security breach that has thrown the community into panic.

Reports also indicated that students from three communities who were scheduled to sit for the English Language WAEC examination were kidnapped, raising fresh concerns over the safety of students, teachers and residents in vulnerable communities across the state.

A representative of the community association called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace, secure the affected communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.

Meanwhile, panic spread in Minna, Niger State, yesterday after rumours of an impending bandit attack prompted pupils in several schools to abandon classes and rush home.

Parents reportedly contacted school authorities to verify reports that schools had been shut over security concerns. A principal of a Catholic school, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that many students hurriedly left the premises after hearing the rumours.

However, the Niger State Police Command dismissed claims that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata local councils were attacked.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said officers visited the schools mentioned in the reports and found no evidence of any attack.

The command urged residents to disregard the “false information”, which is suspected to have originated from mischief-makers to cause panic in the public and school environments.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, had directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to collaborate with school authorities and intensify patrols around schools to ensure the safety of students, staff and surrounding communities.

He added that in case of any further observations, the public should contact the following numbers: 0703 196 4389, 0803 223 3454 and 0916 880 2621.

In Edo State, the government ordered the closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following growing security concerns.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke.

The move is believed to be linked to a leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning of a planned abduction in public schools across Edo North.

According to the document, security operatives intercepted communications between suspected kidnappers discussing the plot, while a suspected informant was reportedly arrested in one of the schools.

Clarifying the government’s decision, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said:

“This decision has been taken by Governor Monday Okpebholo as part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, particularly students, teachers and school personnel. All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are suspended with immediate effect, pending further directives from the government.

“However, students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be allowed access to their examination centres under strict security arrangements coordinated by school authorities, security agencies, and community leaders.”

The statement directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities throughout the closure period, and maintain communication with government officials and security agencies.

Ebojele also urged parents, guardians and residents of the affected communities “to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts are intensified to maintain peace and ensure public safety.”