Bandits Storm Kogi Community, Disrupt WAEC Exam, Kill Vice Principal and Abduct Students

Tragedy struck in Kogi State on Wednesday morning, June 10, 2026, as armed bandits invaded Iluke community in Kabba/Bunu LGA, disrupting the ongoing WAEC English Language exam and leaving the community in mourning. Three people, including a vice principal, were killed, and reports say some WAEC candidates were taken away before security forces intervened.

The attack has once again raised fears about the safety of students and exam centers in rural Nigeria. Here’s what we know so far 

What Happened at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu?

   At Around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, a large group of armed men on about 40 motorcycles stormed Iluke Bunu community in Bunu District, Kabba/Bunu LGA. Their target was Government Secondary School, Iluke, where SS3 students were sitting for the WAEC English paper. The Attack Witnesses say the bandits disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community. They operated for several hours, creating panic and forcing residents to flee as gunshots echoed through the area.

Casualties

   Three people were confirmed dead:

   - Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose – Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke

   - Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70 years old

   - Sunday Ayele, a 6-year-old boy

   One security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment. One attacker was reportedly neutralized during the gun battle.

WAEC Exam Disruption and Abduction Reports

   Students were writing the WASSCE English Language paper when the attack began. Community members alleged that some students scheduled for the exam were taken away.

   However, Kogi State Government and Police say security operatives foiled an attempted mass abduction. The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that students allegedly being taken away were rescued. Police also said there’s “no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction” yet, though investigations continue.

Security Response

The Divisional Police Officer of Kabba “A” Division mobilized officers, Police Mobile Force, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes. The joint team engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.

The Kogi State Police Command said the Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and increased patrols in the area. The state government condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

School abductions have mostly been reported in the Northwest, but this incident shows the threat is spreading to North-Central states like Kogi. Earlier in April 2026, 23 pupils were abducted from an unregistered orphanage/school in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State. 15 were later rescued.

UNICEF and other groups have repeatedly called for the protection of schools under the Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria endorsed in 2015. 2947

What Happens Next for WAEC Candidates

WAEC is yet to release an official statement on rescheduling the disrupted English paper for affected students at Iluke. Parents and students are advised to:

1. Stay calm and follow updates from their school + WAEC state office.

2. Report any missing student to police and WAEC officials immediately.

3. Watch for official communication on alternative exam dates if papers were disrupted.

Final Thoughts

This attack is a painful reminder that exam halls should be safe zones. Students writing WAEC have already faced enough stress without adding fear for their lives. The government, security agencies, and communities must work together to protect schools, especially during exam periods.

Drop “Pray for Kogi” in the comments if you’re standing with Iluke community.