The Kogi State Government has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the deadly attack on Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area are tracked down and brought to justice.
The assurance came on Wednesday following an assault by armed bandits that left three residents dead and disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the community.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed in a statement issued in Lokoja that the government received news of the incident with profound sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of the affected community.
Fanwo said the attackers, who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms, stormed the area and attempted to abduct students sitting for the examination.
According to him, the criminals had already begun forcing the students into a nearby forest when security operatives intervened, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
He commended the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel for their prompt response, noting that their bravery prevented what could have resulted in a large-scale abduction.
“The swift intervention of security operatives ensured that all the students were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their families,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that one of the attackers was killed during the operation, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.
He added that security agencies had launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and were working to apprehend everyone linked to the attack.
Fanwo praised the sacrifice and professionalism displayed by security personnel, describing their actions as crucial in saving innocent lives and averting a major tragedy.
He also assured residents that the government was closely monitoring developments in the area and collaborating with security agencies to reinforce security measures in vulnerable communities.
According to him, additional strategies aimed at strengthening protection of lives and property would be unveiled as part of the state’s ongoing security efforts.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and support security operations by providing useful information that could aid investigations and arrests.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating criminal activities, insisting that Kogi would not bow to threats from armed groups.
“Kogi State will not surrender its peace to criminal elements.
Those seeking to destabilise our communities will continue to face a firm and coordinated response from the government and security agencies,” he stated.
Fanwo further sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims who lost their lives in the attack.