‎UPDATED: Troops Foil Mass Abduction of WAEC Candidates in Kogi, Three Killed in Bandit ‎Attack

The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sorrow over a deadly bandit attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where three persons were killed and several students narrowly escaped abduction.
‎
‎According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the attackers, disguised in military uniforms, invaded the community in an apparent attempt to deceive residents and carry out coordinated criminal operations.
‎
‎NTANetwork report that, the government said the attack claimed the lives of three community members and extended its condolences to the bereaved families and residents of Iluke.
‎
‎Fanwo commended the swift intervention and gallantry of military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security operatives whose prompt response prevented what could have been a mass abduction of students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
‎
‎According to the Commissioner, the armed bandits disrupted the examination and had already forced the students toward a nearby forest before security forces engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
‎
‎He noted that the superior firepower and professionalism of the security personnel led to the successful rescue of all the students, who were returned safely without injuries.
‎
‎The state government urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
‎
‎Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed that three people, including the Vice Principal of the affected school, lost their lives during the attack.
‎
‎The command also disclosed that one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a security operative attached to the joint response team sustained gunshot wounds. Both the injured officer and the neutralized suspect are receiving medical attention.
‎
‎Security agencies have intensified operations in the area as efforts continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing attackers.