Kogi school attack leaves three dead as security forces rescue students and launch a manhunt for fleeing bandits

The Kogi State Government has vowed to bring to justice the bandits responsible for an attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where three residents were killed and students sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination narrowly escaped abduction.

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The assurance was given on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement issued in Lokoja.

Fanwo said the state government received reports of the attack with deep sadness and extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Iluke community and the wider Bunu District.

According to the commissioner, the attackers, disguised in military uniforms, stormed the community and disrupted an ongoing WASSCE examination.

He disclosed that the gunmen had begun marching students into the bush before security operatives confronted them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Fanwo praised the swift and courageous response of military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives whose intervention prevented what could have become a devastating mass abduction.

“Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety,” he said.

The commissioner added that security operatives neutralised one of the attackers during the operation, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

He described the rescue as a powerful demonstration of effective collaboration between formal security agencies and community-based security groups.

Fanwo disclosed that security agencies had launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and were working to apprehend all those connected to the attack.

The government, he said, remains in close contact with security authorities and is monitoring developments in the affected area.

He added that additional security measures would be introduced to strengthen protection for residents and educational institutions in vulnerable communities.

The commissioner urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

“Let it be clearly stated that Kogi State will not submit to terror,” Fanwo said.

“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 attack comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, particularly incidents involving kidnappings and attacks on schools.

Authorities say efforts are being intensified to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and prosecuted while measures are strengthened to prevent future attacks.