Residents of Iluke community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, are demanding urgent government intervention following a deadly bandit attack that claimed three lives, including a school vice principal, and temporarily left several students in the hands of armed assailants.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, throwing the community into mourning and deepening anxiety over the security situation in the area.
Among the dead was Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, who was killed alongside two other residents. Residents said the attackers operated for several hours, sowing fear and confusion across the community.
Of particular alarm, some community members said students scheduled to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper that same Wednesday were seized during the raid.
The Kogi State Government, responding swiftly to the incident, said security operatives successfully foiled what could have been a mass abduction of students. In a statement issued Wednesday, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo disclosed that the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms to infiltrate the community.
Fanwo said the assailants disrupted the ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to march students into the bush before security forces intervened. A gun battle ensued, during which one attacker was killed and others fled with injuries. All students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety.
“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 commended the military, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security operatives for their prompt response, which it credited with preventing further casualties. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers, while additional measures are being considered to reinforce security in the affected area.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the ongoing operation.
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