By Joy Yesufu
The Kogi State Government has commended security operatives for foiling what it described as a planned mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
The commendation came as the government mourned three residents who lost their lives during an attack by armed men who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms before invading the community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said the attackers disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to force students into the bush before security personnel intervened.
According to the government, military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully rescuing all the affected students and preventing what could have been a large-scale abduction.
The statement said the swift response of security forces ensured that the students were rescued unharmed and safely reunited with their families.
The government expressed condolences to the families of the three victims killed during the attack, as well as the people of Iluke Community and the wider Bunu District.
It praised the courage and professionalism displayed by security personnel, noting that their intervention prevented further casualties and a potentially devastating kidnapping operation.
The state government disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
It added that security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are intensifying efforts to arrest all those connected with the attack.
Fanwo said the government was working closely with security agencies to strengthen security in the affected area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
Reaffirming the state’s determination to confront insecurity, the government said it would continue to support coordinated security efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across Kogi State.
“Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our state will continue to face a determined and coordinated response from security agencies and government,” the statement said
