The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of three residents of Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area following a terrorist attack by armed criminals who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms.
The attack, which occurred while students were writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), sparked fear across the community as the gunmen allegedly attempted to abduct candidates and other residents before security forces intervened.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as tragic and condemned the actions of the attackers, who he said sought to deceive residents by posing as military personnel.
According to the state government, the assailants invaded Iluke Community and disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination.
Reports indicate that the gunmen had already begun forcing students into the surrounding bush when security operatives launched a counter-operation.
The government noted that military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives responded swiftly to distress calls and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
Their intervention, authorities said, prevented what could have become one of the most devastating mass abductions in the state in recent times.
“All the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety owing to the superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents,” the statement noted.
Despite the successful rescue operation, three members of the community lost their lives during the attack. The state government extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Iluke Community and the wider Bunu District, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the state” the statement noted.
The government also revealed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds stressing that Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are intensifying efforts to track down all individuals connected to the attack.
Fanwo commended the military and local security volunteers for their bravery and sacrifice, stating that their actions saved numerous innocent lives and prevented a major security catastrophe.
“Their patriotism, commitment to duty and gallantry ensured that the criminals did not achieve their objective,” he said.
In response to the incident, the Kogi State Government said it is working closely with security agencies to strengthen security architecture in the affected area and other vulnerable communities across the state.
Additional security measures are expected to be announced in the coming days as part of efforts to protect lives and property.
Authorities also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The government reiterated its commitment to combating insecurity and maintaining peace across the state.
“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 government,” the statement added.
As security operations continue in the area, residents of Iluke Community have been urged to remain vigilant while authorities work to restore normalcy and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
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