Tragedy struck Iluke community in the Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday as armed bandits launched a deadly attack that claimed the lives of three residents, including a school vice principal, and reportedly abducted three students.
The attackers, who were said to have stormed the community in the early hours of the day, unleashed terror on residents for several hours, leaving the area in mourning and raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the state.
Among those killed was Mr. Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke. Two other community members also lost their lives during the attack.
Residents said the gunmen invaded the area while students were preparing to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper. According to community sources, some students were reportedly taken away by the assailants during the chaos.
Reacting to the incident, the Kogi State Government disclosed that the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community and execute their operation.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government condemned the attack and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss,” the statement read.
The government, however, stated that security operatives successfully foiled what appeared to be an attempted mass abduction of students.
According to Fanwo, reports available to the government showed that the gunmen disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to march students into nearby bushes before security forces intervened.
He explained that a fierce gun battle ensued between the attackers and security personnel, supported by local vigilantes and hunters. The operation reportedly led to the rescue of all the affected students, who were returned safely without injuries.
The state government further revealed that one of the attackers was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Fanwo commended the military, local vigilante groups, hunters and other security agencies for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented further casualties and a large-scale kidnapping.
He added that security agencies had launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and assured residents that efforts were underway to strengthen security across the area.
The government urged members of the public to remain calm, stay vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the arrest of the perpetrators.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State while ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
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