Fresh fears over school safety have emerged in parts of Nigeria after armed bandits reportedly killed a school vice principal in Kogi State and abducted students preparing to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attack occurred in Iluke Bunu community, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving residents in shock and deep uncertainty over the security situation in the area.
Reports indicate that the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, identified as Gani Anifowose, was killed during the early morning assault by suspected bandits. The attack has heightened tension in the community, with residents expressing concerns about the increasing vulnerability of schools and rural settlements.
Adding to the tragedy, several students from three neighbouring communities who were scheduled to write the WAEC English Language examination were reportedly kidnapped during the incident. The development has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and community leaders over the safety of candidates participating in national examinations.
A representative of the community association appealed to security agencies and government authorities to urgently strengthen security operations in the area. The community is demanding immediate action to restore peace and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The attack comes amid growing national concerns about insecurity around schools. In neighbouring Niger State, panic spread across parts of Minna after rumours circulated that bandits were planning attacks on schools. The reports triggered fear among students, with many reportedly leaving their classrooms and rushing home before the end of the school day.
However, the Niger State Police Command dismissed the reports as false. Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives visited the schools mentioned in the rumours and confirmed that no attack had taken place. He urged residents to disregard what he described as misleading information intended to create panic among the public.
According to the police, Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman had earlier directed divisional police officers to collaborate closely with school administrators and increase patrols around educational institutions as part of ongoing school protection measures.
Meanwhile, concerns over possible attacks on schools have also prompted action in Edo State. The state government has ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction.
The decision reportedly followed a security alert linked to intelligence gathered by the Department of State Services (DSS), which allegedly intercepted communications suggesting a plot targeting public schools in Edo North. Authorities also disclosed that a suspected informant connected to the alleged plan had been arrested.
Confirming the closure, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the measure was taken to protect students, teachers, and school personnel. He noted that while regular academic activities have been suspended, students currently writing WASSCE will continue to access examination centres under strict security supervision coordinated by school authorities, security agencies, and community leaders.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for stronger security around schools nationwide, as communities continue to grapple with the threat of kidnappings, bandit attacks, and growing insecurity in rural areas.
