A vice principal, a six-year-old boy and a 70-year-old resident were killed when suspected bandits attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday.

According to Channels Television, the attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles and invaded the community around 10 a.m. in what authorities described as a suspected attempt to abduct students and other residents.

In a statement issued by police spokesperson ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls.

The operation involved police personnel, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, other tactical units, military officers and local vigilantes already deployed in the area.

Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.

“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush,” the statement said.

The police noted that preliminary investigations had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents. However, authorities said assessments and investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

The command confirmed that one suspected attacker was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has directed security agencies to continue bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area.

Authorities said joint security teams are pursuing the fleeing suspects and have urged residents to remain calm while providing useful information to support ongoing investigations.

The police said further updates would be released as investigations continue.