Kogi mourns Iluke dead as troops free WAEC students from fake-soldier bandits

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has expressed grief over the killing of three residents of Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area following an attack by terrorists disguised in military uniforms, while commending security operatives for thwarting a planned mass abduction of students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the attackers stormed the community and disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination, forcibly herding students toward a nearby forest before security personnel, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, engaged them in a fierce gun battle that led to the successful rescue of all the candidates unharmed.

“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.” Fanwo said.

Meanwhile, the government has commended the military personnel and local security forces for their swift response and exceptional bravery which prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students and inflicting further casualties on the community.

The statement noted that the reports available to the government indicate that the bandits disrupted an ongoing WAEC 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.

“During the operation, security forces neutralised one of the bandits, while several others escaped with severe gunshot injuries. Security agencies are currently on the trail of the fleeing criminals and are intensifying efforts to ensure that all those connected with the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.

“The Kogi State Government expresses profound appreciation to the military, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel whose sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to duty saved innocent lives and prevented what could have been a devastating mass abduction.

Fanwo stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation in the affected community and is working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area. Additional security measures will be announced in due course as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.

“We urge residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can assist 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.

“Once again, we sympathise with the bereaved families and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased. We also stand in solidarity with the people of Iluke Community as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and bring all those responsible for this heinous attack to justice.”