Bandits kill 3 in Kogi community

The Kogi Government has vowed to bring to justice the bandits who attacked Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state, killing three residents.

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Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Mr Fanwo said the government received reports of the attack with deep sadness and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the Iluke community and the entire Bunu District.

He disclosed that the attackers, who were disguised in military uniforms, invaded the community and disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to him, the bandits had begun marching students into the bush before security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

He commended the swift response and gallantry of military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and other security operatives whose intervention prevented a mass abduction and further casualties.

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

“During the operation, security forces neutralised one of the bandits, while several others escaped with severe gunshot wounds,” he said.

The commissioner said security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and were intensifying efforts to apprehend all those connected with the attack.

He expressed the government’s appreciation to the military and local security personnel whose sacrifice and patriotism saved innocent lives and averted what could have been a devastating mass abduction.

Mr Fanwo said the government was closely monitoring the situation in the affected community and working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area.

He added that additional security measures would be announced as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

“Let it be clearly stated that 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 said.

Mr Fanwo also sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
NAN