How bandits stormed Kogi school with 40 motorcycles — Police
Armed Bandits Repelled in Kogi State Community
Iluke, Kogi State — Armed assailants on motorcycles attempted an invasion of the Iluke community in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from security forces. Authorities indicated that the attackers had targeted a secondary school and nearby residents in what was described as a planned assault.
The incident was reported in a statement by the Kogi State Police Command, released June 10, 2026. According to the police, they received a distress call around 10 a.m. alerting them to a large group of heavily armed individuals on approximately 40 motorcycles near Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu.
The police suspect the attackers aimed to abduct students and members of the community. In response, the Divisional Police Officer from the Kabba ‘A’ Division quickly mobilized personnel, enlisting support from the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, military personnel, and local vigilante groups active in the area.
The joint security team engaged the assailants in a gun battle, ultimately forcing them to retreat into nearby foliage. “The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, compelling the criminals to flee,” the police statement noted.
Initial investigations have not confirmed any successful mass abduction of students or residents during the incident. The police indicated that evidence does not support claims of large-scale abductions.
However, the Command confirmed the fatalities of three individuals: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele. The police expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured them of ongoing efforts to capture those responsible.
During the exchange, one suspected bandit was killed, and a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State has ordered sustained operations in the area, including bush-combing efforts and confidence-building patrols. Joint security teams continue to conduct operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Residents are urged to remain calm and to provide reliable information to security agencies to assist with ongoing efforts.
