| Police: Attackers repelled, no hostage taken
By Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja, ABU NMODU, Minna; PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
Suspected bandits on Wednesday launched a deadly attack on Iluke-Bunu Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons in an attempt to abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to residents, the heavily armed assailants, who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles and wore military uniforms, stormed the community at about 10:00 a.m., firing sporadically before heading to Government Secondary School, Iluke, where the examination was in progress.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen disrupted the examination and attempted to force some of the students into the bush. However, the swift intervention of security personnel prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
…No Student Kidnapped as Security Forces Foil Bandit Attack
Authorities, however, confirmed that no student was abducted during the incident.
Speaking with our correspondent, the chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Barr. Zaccheaus Dare Michael, said the swift response of security operatives prevented the attackers from whisking students into the bush.
“Yes, there was an attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, this morning, but we are grateful that security agents responded promptly,” he said.
“I can confirm to you that no one is in the custody of the bandits. Three people lost their lives in the process, including the vice principal of the school. The attackers were unable to march the students into the bush.”
Also speaking about the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, reiterated that no victim was taken away by the attackers.
“All I can tell you now, in addition to our earlier release, is that no one is in the custody of the kidnappers,” she said.
“Our men are still combing the forests for the criminals. We are working to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Our combined teams are working very hard. That’s all I can tell you for now.”
The attack, which initially sparked fears of a mass abduction of candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), left three persons dead.
Police spokesman ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat said the state police command received a distress call indicating that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the school with the intention of abducting students and residents.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised personnel from the division, operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the command’s tactical teams, while military personnel and local vigilantes already operating in the area were also drafted into the operation.
The combined security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
While preliminary investigations did not establish any successful mass abduction, the police confirmed that three persons lost their lives during the attack.
The victims were identified as Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, vice principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; 70-year-old Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
