Deadly WASSCE Attack: Three Students Reportedly Abducted as Kogi Community Mourns Six-Year-Old Child, Vice Principal
Fresh details have emerged from the bandit attack on Iluke Bunu in Kogi State, with reports indicating that three students and several residents were abducted during the raid.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, had already sparked outrage after gunmen killed three people, including six-year-old Sunday Ayele and Vice Principal Ganiyu Anifowose. The incident happened while students were sitting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Local sources said the attackers targeted schools and nearby communities, abducting three students and some residents before fleeing. The development has heightened concerns about the safety of children in and around schools, particularly in areas facing repeated security threats.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, armed bandits arrived in the community on about 40 motorcycles and attempted to carry out large-scale abductions. Security operatives, supported by soldiers and local vigilantes, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
Although police said investigations were still ongoing and had not confirmed a mass abduction, residents insisted that some students and community members were taken away by the gunmen.
The latest reports have intensified calls for stronger safeguarding of schools and children. Education advocates warn that repeated attacks not only threaten lives but also disrupt learning and leave children living in fear.
Meanwhile, security agencies say efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers, rescue those reportedly abducted, and prevent further attacks on schools and surrounding communities.
