The incident, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, plunged the community into grief and renewed concerns over insecurity in the area.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat. According to the Command, a large group of armed bandits riding on about 40 motorcycles stormed the community and the school, allegedly with the intention of abducting students and residents.
Following distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly coordinated a security response, deploying personnel from the division, the Police Mobile Force and other tactical units to the scene.
The police said military personnel and local vigilante operatives already stationed in the area joined the operation to repel the attackers.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
While dismissing reports of a confirmed mass abduction, the Command said three people lost their lives during the attack.
“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”
The police also disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the gun battle, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police directed sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected communities. The Command added that joint security operatives are continuing intensive operations aimed at arresting the fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks.
Residents were urged to remain calm and support security agencies with useful and credible information.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.