The Kogi State Government has confirmed that four people were killed after suspected bandits attempted to abduct students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke Community, Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
The attack occurred on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, where the assailants, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, stormed the school and disrupted an ongoing examination.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the attackers had already rounded up some students and were leading them into the bush when security operatives intervened.
Fanwo said troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at Suku-Kiri Bunu, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully rescuing all the abducted students.
“Reports available to the 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,” he said.
“Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents, all the students were rescued unharmed and returned to safety.”
The commissioner disclosed that three members of the community lost their lives during the attack, while one of the bandits was killed by security forces during the exchange of gunfire.
“The unfortunate attack led to the death of three members of the community. The Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community and the entire Bunu District,” Fanwo said.
He added that several other attackers escaped with gunshot wounds and are being tracked by security agencies.
“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,” he stated.
Fanwo commended the military personnel, vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives whose swift response prevented what he described as a potentially devastating mass abduction.
He also assured residents that the government is working with security agencies to strengthen security in the affected area and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information to aid ongoing operations.
“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,” he added.
- Four killed as troops foil abduction of WAEC candidates in Kogi - June 10, 2026
- How girls are selling their egg cells for cash in Plateau - June 10, 2026
- ELRA, NADF partner to boost access to agricultural machinery - June 10, 2026
