The assailants reportedly arrived in military uniforms.
The attack was carried out on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu. The attackers attempted a mass abduction of students writing their West African senior school certificate examination (WASSEC)
According to Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kogi State, the bandits had already abducted students and were leading them into the bush.
However, the Nigerian Army stationed at Suku-Kiri Bunu, along with vigilantes, and hunters nearby, engaged the attackers in a gun battle and foiled and rescued the students.
“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.” Kingsley said.
He added that 3 members of the community died in the incident.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. The 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.” He said.
“Even as the State mourns the painful loss of three community members, the Government commends the swift response, exceptional bravery, and gallantry of military personnel and local security forces whose intervention prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students and inflicting further casualties on the community.”
The commissioner further confirmed that security operatives killed one of the bandits while several others were injured during the gun battle.
“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,” Fanwo said.
“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.
“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.”
Fanwo added, “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.”
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