The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sympathy over the terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, describing the incident as a tragic assault on innocent residents by criminal elements who disguised in military uniforms to perpetrate terror on innocent citizens in the community.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said the attack claimed the lives of three community members and visiting terror on the people of Iluke.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss,” the statement said.
The government commended the swift and courageous intervention of military personnel and local security operatives, whose prompt response prevented what could have been a devastating mass abduction of students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
According to the statement, armed bandits stormed a school during an ongoing WAEC examination, disrupted the exercise and had begun forcing students into the bush before security forces engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“Reports available to Government indicate that the bandits disrupted an ongoing examination and had already begun marching students into the bush when security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety.”
The government disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the operation, while several others escaped with serious gunshot wounds.
Security agencies, it added, are currently tracking fleeing criminals and intensifying efforts to ensure all those connected to the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
The state government expressed profound appreciation to the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security agencies whose bravery and commitment to duty saved lives and prevented a major security breach in the community.
It assured residents that it is closely monitoring developments in the affected community and working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area.
Additional measures, the government said, would be introduced to further protect lives and property.
The government also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“Let it be clearly stated that 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 added.
The government reiterated its condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Iluke Community as security agencies continue efforts to restore normalcy and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
