Bandit Attack in Kogi State Leads to School Closures

On June 5, 2026, a bandit attack on secondary and primary schools in Iluk, Kogi State, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Mr. Ganiyu Anifowos, the vice principal, and Mr. Sundai Alhassan, aged 70, along with six-year-old Sundai Ayel. The Kogi State Police Command reported that a large group of heavily armed bandits, operating on 40 motorcycles, invaded the schools with the intent to abduct students.

Following the attack, security personnel were deployed to the area, and investigations are ongoing. In response to intelligence reports of planned mass abductions in Edo State, particularly in the Edo North Senatorial District, three schools were temporarily closed.

The Department of State Services had intercepted two suspects who disclosed plans to kidnap school children. The Edo State government has ordered increased security around schools to prevent such incidents.