Fear gripped residents of Iluke in Bunu District, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, after armed attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Wednesday, killing three people, including a secondary school vice principal.
One of the victims was identified as Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke. Two other residents also lost their lives during the attack, which left the community in mourning.
Witnesses said the gunmen operated for hours, causing panic among residents and raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
There were also claims that some students preparing to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper were taken away by the attackers.
However, the Kogi State Government said security operatives prevented what it described as an attempted mass abduction of students.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the attackers wore military uniforms to infiltrate the community.
The government confirmed that three residents were killed during the incident but said security personnel rescued students allegedly being taken into the bush by the attackers.
“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 said.
Fanwo praised soldiers, vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives for their swift intervention, noting that their efforts helped avert greater casualties and a possible mass kidnapping.
According to him, intelligence available to the government showed that the assailants disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to whisk students away before security forces confronted them.
He said all the affected students were rescued unharmed after an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel.
The government further disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Authorities said security agencies have commenced a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and assured residents that additional measures are being put in place to strengthen security in the area.
The state government urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information, while reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State.
