By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Three people were killed after suspected bandits attacked a secondary school in Iluke-Bunu Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), authorities said.

According to residents, the attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and wore military-style uniforms, invaded the community and headed to Government Secondary School, Iluke, while examinations were in progress.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call about armed men allegedly attempting to abduct students and residents. In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised police personnel, tactical operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the scene.

Police said the joint security team engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. While investigations are ongoing, the command said there was no confirmed mass abduction. However, three people lost their lives during the incident: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The police also reported that one suspected attacker was killed during the exchange, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.In a separate statement, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, commended security personnel for preventing what he described as a potential mass abduction of students.Security agencies have launched ongoing operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

By Jabiru Hassan, Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received a Special Recognition Award at the maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) in Akure, Ondo State, in recognition of his contributions to healthcare development and health insurance expansion.

According to summit organisers, the award acknowledges initiatives in medical education, primary healthcare development, and digital health insurance transparency aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare in Katsina State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, Governor Radda thanked the organisers and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He said the state had recorded progress through investments in primary healthcare, expanded health insurance coverage, and community-based healthcare programmes designed to improve access to quality medical services.

Radda also commended the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) and its Executive Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Safana, for advancing healthcare reforms and increasing health insurance enrollment across formal and informal sectors.The governor welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund allocation from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, describing it as a boost for healthcare financing nationwide.

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Safana disclosed that State Social Health Insurance Agencies had enrolled more than 14 million Nigerians into health insurance schemes as of April 2026. The summit, themed “Economic Realities and the Universal Health Coverage Dream: Mobilising States for Scalable Health Insurance,” brought together health sector stakeholders from across Nigeria.

OYO, Nigeria

The Director of the City Boys Movement (CBM) in Oyo State, Hon. Olufemi Onireti, has donated medical equipment and healthcare supplies to Esinele Community in Oriire Local Government Area following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in the area.The donation was made during a condolence and solidarity visit to the community, where Onireti assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.

Speaking during the visit, he expressed optimism that the teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom, noting that government authorities and security agencies were working diligently to ensure their safe return. “We have the assurance that the teachers and pupils will return safely. Government is working tirelessly to secure their release. We are here to identify with the people of Esinele and support the community during this difficult period,” he said.

An emotional moment occurred when Onireti became visibly moved while addressing family members of the abducted victims. He encouraged the grieving relatives to remain hopeful, assuring them that every effort was being made to reunite them with their loved ones.As part of his intervention, Onireti donated medical supplies aimed at improving access to basic healthcare services within the community.

He also presented a cash donation of ₦1 million to the family of the late Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers affected by the incident. In addition, he announced scholarship awards for the late teacher’s sons, Oyedokun Abiodun and Samuel Oyedokun, to support their education.The Elesinele of Esinele, High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, commended both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for their interventions since the incident occurred.

He specifically appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their concern and commitment to resolving the situation, while appealing for intensified efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

“We appreciate the Federal and State Governments for standing by us during this difficult time. We have received assurances that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release, and we urge authorities to expedite those efforts,” he said. The visit brought renewed hope to residents as community leaders and stakeholders continued to advocate for the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while supporting affected families.

Signed:

Hon. Olufemi Onireti

Director, City Boys Movement (CBM), Oyo State

June 10, 2026