The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sadness over the terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the state government extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss.
The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community.
The state government commended 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.
“Reports available to 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.
“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,” the statement read.
The Kogi state government expressed 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.
The statement assured that the 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.
“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,” the statement added.
