Bandits k!ll vice principal and two others as security forces foil mass abduction of WAEC candidates in Kogi community

Bandits have k!lled a vice principal and two others in Iluke Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

.....

It was gathered that the bandits invaded the community on Wednesday morning, June 10, 2026, in an attempt to abduct students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to reports, the major target of the attack was UBE Iluke Bunu, where students were sitting for their examination at the time of the invasion.

During the attack, Mr. Gani Anifowose, the vice principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, was k!lled alongside two other persons.

Troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at Suku-Kiri Bunu, a nearby community, swiftly responded to the distress call and arrived in Iluke Bunu, successfully foiling. 

The Kogi State Government confirmed the terrorist attack, commending security forces for foiling the mass abduction of WAEC candidates.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement said the attackers invaded the community disguised in military uniforms and disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination, attempting to abduct students into the bush.

Fanwo confirmed that three community members were k!lled during the attack, including the vice principal. 

According to him, the prompt intervention of military personnel, vigilantes, and local hunters led to a fierce gun battle with the attackers, resulting in the rescue of all abducted students unhurt.

He further stated that one of the bandits was neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. 

“The Kogi State Government has received with deep sadness the report of a terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area by criminal elements who disguised themselves in military uniforms in a desperate attempt to deceive residents and perpetrate their evil act,” the statement read.

“The unfortunate attack led to the d3ath of three members of the community. Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community, and the entire Bunu District over this painful loss.

“Even as the State mourns the painful loss of three community members, Government commends the swift response, exceptional bravery, and gallantry of military personnel and local security forces whose intervention prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students and inflicting further casualties on the community. 

“Reports available to 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. 

“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 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.

“The Kogi State Government expresses profound appreciation to the military, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel whose sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to duty saved innocent lives and prevented what could have been a devastating mass abduction.

“Government is closely monitoring the situation in the affected community and is working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area.

“Additional security measures will be announced in due course as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.

“We urge residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.

“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.

“Once again, we sympathize with the bereaved families and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased. We also stand in solidarity with the people of Iluke Community as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and bring all those responsible for this heinous attack to justice.”