Three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child, were killed when armed bandits attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday.

The Kogi State Police Command said the attackers, who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the community and school premises in an apparent attempt to abduct students and residents.

According to the police, a joint team comprising personnel from the police, military, tactical units and local vigilantes swiftly responded to distress calls and engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.

The victims were identified as Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The police also confirmed that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the security team sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

The command said there was no conclusive evidence of a mass abduction, adding that investigations and security operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.