Bandits kill three, fail to abduct WAEC candidates in Kogi

By Precious Mark

Three people were killed after suspected bandits attacked Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attackers reportedly disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to abduct students, but security operatives intervened and rescued them unharmed.

The Kogi State Government disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, noting that the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms before launching the assault on the community.

According to the statement, the gunmen stormed the area and disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), forcing students into the bush in an apparent mass kidnapping attempt.

However, security personnel, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of all the students.

“The bandits disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and had already begun marching students into the bush when security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle,” the statement noted.

“Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety,” it added.

While mourning the loss of three residents during the attack, the state government expressed condolences to their families and the people of Iluke Community.

“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community,” the statement said, describing the incident as a painful loss for the affected families and the entire Bunu District.

The government also praised the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel for preventing what it described as a potentially devastating mass abduction.

During the operation, one of the attackers was neutralized, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

The government said security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are working to ensure that everyone connected to the attack is arrested and prosecuted.

It added that security presence in the area is being strengthened while additional measures are being considered to protect lives and property.

The state government adviced residents to remain calm and continue providing useful information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

“Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated, and uncompromising response from security agencies and the Government,” the statement said.

The government pledged to work with security agencies to restore calm to the people of Iluke Community and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.