A deadly early Wednesday attack by bandits on a secondary school in Kogi State has left three people dead, including a vice principal.
The attack has thrown the Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area into mourning and sparked severe security concerns.
According to local sources, the gunmen operated for several hours, spreading panic and killing three people, including Mr. Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke.
Witnesses also alleged that students scheduled to sit for their WASSCE English Language exam on Wednesday were among those abducted.
In the wake of the tragedy, traumatized residents have made an urgent appeal for government and security intervention.
Reacting to the development, the Kogi State Government said security operatives foiled an attempted mass abduction of students during the attack.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms to gain access to the community.
According to the government, three community members lost their lives in the attack, while security personnel successfully rescued students who were allegedly being taken away by the assailants.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. 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,” the statement said.
The government commended military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives for their response, which it said prevented further casualties and a possible mass abduction.
Fanwo stated that reports available to the government indicated that the attackers disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination and attempted to move students into the bush before security operatives engaged them.
He said all the students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety following a gun battle between security forces and the attackers.
According to the statement, one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while others reportedly escaped with injuries.
The government said security agencies had launched efforts to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.
The state government has extended its condolences to the families of the victims and restated its commitment to ensuring public safety.
While urging residents to stay calm and assist law enforcement with credible information, the government confirmed that additional security measures are being reviewed for the area.
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