Residents of Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have called for urgent government intervention after armed bandits attacked the area, killing a vice principal and two other residents in a raid that also disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the area.
One of the victims was identified as Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke. He was reportedly killed alongside two other residents during the invasion by the gunmen.
Residents said the attackers operated for several hours, creating panic and confusion within the community. Some locals also alleged that students preparing to sit for the English Language paper of the WASSCE were abducted during the incident.
However, the Kogi State Government said security operatives successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction of students and rescued those allegedly being taken away by the attackers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that the assailants disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community.
He confirmed that three residents lost their lives in the attack and expressed the government’s condolences to their families and the people of Bunu District.
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.
Fanwo commended military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives whose swift intervention prevented what could have been a large-scale kidnapping.
According to him, intelligence reports showed that the attackers disrupted the ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move some students into the bush before security forces confronted them.
He said all the students were rescued unharmed after an exchange of gunfire between security personnel and the bandits.
The commissioner disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
He added that security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and assured residents that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended and brought to justice.
The state government also announced plans to strengthen security measures in the area and urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, while sympathising with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic attack.
