Bandits Kill Kogi School Vice Principal, Target WAEC Candidates As Insecurity Disrupts Education In Kogi And Niger States

Bandits Kill Kogi School Vice Principal, Target WAEC Candidates as Insecurity Disrupts Education in Kogi and Niger States Fear and grief have gripped communities in Kogi and Niger states following fresh attacks by armed bandits that left a school vice principal dead, disrupted ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE activities and heightened concerns about the safety of students and teachers across the country. The latest incident occurred in Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed bandits reportedly invaded a secondary school during an ongoing WAEC examination. The attackers killed the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, identified as Gani Anifowose, and launched an attempt to abduct students sitting for the examination. Witnesses said the gunmen, some allegedly dressed in military-style uniforms, stormed the community in the early hours of the day, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. Security operatives, local vigilantes and military personnel were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a gun battle that prevented what authorities described as a potential mass abduction of students.According to the Kogi State Police Command, three people, including the vice principal, a young boy and an elderly resident, were killed during the attack. Authorities said security forces eventually repelled the assailants and rescued students who had been targeted during the attempted abduction. The Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly assault on education and community life. Officials praised the intervention of security agencies, noting that their response prevented a larger tragedy. Reports indicated that some students had already been forced toward nearby bush paths before security personnel intervened. The attack has intensified concerns about the safety of candidates participating in the ongoing WAEC examinations across Nigeria. Education stakeholders have warned that repeated attacks on schools could undermine students’ ability to complete examinations and further weaken confidence in the country’s educational system. More than 1.9 million candidates are participating in the 2026 WASSCE nationwide. Meanwhile, anxiety has continued to spread in neighbouring Niger State amid reports of insecurity and fears of possible attacks on schools and communities. Although police authorities dismissed claims of coordinated attacks on several communities in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata areas, residents remain apprehensive due to the growing threat posed by armed groups operating across parts of the state. The incidents come against the backdrop of a worsening kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, where schools have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. Recent attacks in several states have led to mass abductions, school closures and heightened security concerns among parents, teachers and education authorities. Security analysts warn that continued attacks on educational institutions could have long-term consequences for learning outcomes and school attendance, particularly in rural communities already struggling with limited access to education. They argue that stronger intelligence gathering, increased security presence around schools and improved community-based surveillance are urgently needed to protect students and staff. As investigations continue and security agencies pursue those responsible, residents of affected communities are calling on federal and state authorities to take decisive action to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the safety of schools across the country.