Fear and uncertainty have gripped the Iluke Bunu community in Kogi State following a deadly attack by armed bandits that left a school principal dead and several students reportedly abducted while preparing for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WAEC.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, claimed the life of the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, identified as Gani Anifowose. Residents said the educator was killed during the assault as gunmen invaded the community, leaving many families in shock and mourning.
In a separate development linked to the attack, reports indicate that several students from three neighbouring communities, who were scheduled to sit for their English Language WAEC examination, were abducted by the attackers.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of students, teachers, and residents in rural communities increasingly affected by insecurity and criminal activities.
Community leaders described the situation as alarming, noting that fear and panic have spread throughout the area as residents remain uncertain about the fate of those kidnapped.
A representative of the community association appealed to security agencies and government authorities to urgently strengthen security operations in the area and ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
Meanwhile, concerns over insecurity have also extended to neighbouring Niger State, where reports of possible attacks triggered panic among students in parts of Minna. Some pupils reportedly left school premises early and rushed home amid fears of bandit activity.
However, the Niger State Police Command dismissed reports that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse, and Lambata Local Government Areas were attacked, describing the claims as unverified.
In Edo State, authorities have taken precautionary measures by shutting down three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area due to growing security concerns within the region.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures around educational institutions and vulnerable communities across the country, as stakeholders continue to advocate for safer learning environments for students and teachers.
Security agencies are expected to intensify search-and-rescue efforts while investigations into the Kogi attack continue.
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