3 Killed, 3 WASSCE Candidates Kidnapped as Bandits Strike Kogi Community
Suspected bandits have killed three persons, including a vice principal, and abducted three students scheduled to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Residents told TheBells.NG on Wednesday that the attackers invaded the community in the early hours of the day, operating for several hours and causing panic among residents.
One of the victims was identified as Mr Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, who was reportedly killed during the attack. The identities of the two other deceased persons were yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Community sources said three students expected to sit for the WASSCE English Language examination on Wednesday were among those abducted by the gunmen.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, unfortunate and unacceptable.
Michael, in a statement issued on Wednesday, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with residents affected by the attack.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government administration to the protection of lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to address security challenges in the area.
The chairman called on the Nigerian Army to deploy personnel to the newly constructed Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Iluke Bunu to strengthen security presence and improve response to criminal activities in the community and surrounding settlements.
He also appealed to the Kogi State Police Command to reinforce security operations through the deployment of additional personnel and operational assets.
Michael commended security agencies, particularly local security operatives, for their efforts during the attack, noting that their intervention helped prevent further casualties and destruction.
According to him, the local government is working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting solutions to security threats confronting the area.
Residents have appealed to the Federal and Kogi State Governments to take urgent steps to improve security in the area and secure the release of those abducted.