By our reporter 10.6.2026
A combined team of security agents Wednesday morning beat back over 40 well-armed bandits who invaded the Iluke community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State looking for students to kidnap.
According to a statement made available by the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the bandits were targeting a secondary school and residents of the community.
They came into the community riding in 40 motorcycles and started shooting around the Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
But they were met with swift response from the police from Kabba ‘A’ Division, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, military personnel and local vigilante groups operating in the area.
“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,” the statement said.
Three persons caught in the shooting they include Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan 70-, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
One bandit was killed while a security operative attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State has directed sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected communities.
The police said joint security teams have continued operations in the area to arrest the fleeing suspects.