Kogi won’t surrender to bandits, Ododo assures as he visits attacked Iluke community

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has vowed to intensify the fight against criminal elements operating within the state, assuring residents that those responsible for the deadly attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area will be tracked down and brought to justice.

The governor gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the community following the June 10 bandit attack that claimed three lives, disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and sparked widespread panic among residents.

He described the incident as unfortunate and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State.

The victims included the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Pastor Anufo Owuse, an elderly man, and a young girl who was struck by stray bullets during the attack. Contrary to some reports, no student was killed during the incident.

The attack triggered panic among students, teachers and residents as the bandits attempted to abduct people, including candidates writing their WASSCE examinations. However, a swift response by the military, local security operatives, vigilantes and hunters successfully repelled the attackers and rescued those who were being marched into the bush.

Security sources and community leaders indicated that more than 100 persons would have been kidnapped if not for the timely intervention of the security forces, whose superior firepower forced the bandits to abandon their operation and flee.

Addressing residents during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident, Governor Ododo expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and assured the people that his administration would not relent in its determination to protect lives and property across the state.

The Governor commended the military, other security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters for their bravery and sacrifice, describing their intervention as heroic and decisive in preventing what could have been one of the most devastating mass abductions in the state’s history.