Bandits invade Kogi School during WASSCE, kill Vice Principal, two others. By Ladidi Al-Hassan
Bandits invade Kogi School during WASSCE, kill Vice Principal, two others.
By Ladidi Al-Hassan
Suspected bandits on Wednesday invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including the school’s Vice Principal, Mr Gani Anifowose, during an attack that disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the school at about 9 a.m. while students were writing the examination and attempted to abduct some of them.
Sources said the attackers invaded the community and the school premises, causing panic among students and residents.
In the course of the attack, Anifowose and two other persons lost their lives.
Reacting to the incident, the Kogi State Government expressed deep sorrow over the killings, describing the attack as a tragic act of terrorism carried out by suspected bandits disguised in military uniforms.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government extended its condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Iluke Community and the entire Bunu District.
The government, however, commended the swift intervention of military personnel and local security operatives, whose actions prevented what could have resulted in a large-scale abduction of students.
According to reports available to the government, the assailants had already begun forcing some students into the bush when security personnel engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“The superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents ensured that all the students were rescued unharmed and returned safely,” the statement said.
The government disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
It added that security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and were intensifying efforts to apprehend all those involved in the attack.
Fanwo praised the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel for their bravery and patriotism, noting that their intervention saved innocent lives and averted a potentially devastating mass kidnapping.
The state government assured residents that it was closely monitoring developments in the area and working with security agencies to strengthen security around the affected community.
It also disclosed that additional measures would soon be announced to further protect lives and property.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.
Reaffirming its determination to tackle insecurity, the government declared that Kogi State would not succumb to criminal elements.
“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.
The government further pledged continued support to the people of Iluke Community as security agencies work to restore normalcy and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
