Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has vowed to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements following the deadly bandit attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
The governor made the pledge during a condolence visit to the community in the aftermath of the June 10 attack, which disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and claimed the lives of three residents.
Among those killed were the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Pastor Anufo Owuse, an elderly man, and a young girl who was hit by stray bullets during the assault. Authorities clarified that, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, no student lost their life in the incident.
The attack threw the community into panic as armed bandits attempted to abduct residents, including students writing their WASSCE examinations.
However, a coordinated response by military personnel, local security operatives, vigilantes, and hunters foiled the operation and rescued victims who were being led into the bush by the attackers.
Community leaders and security sources disclosed that the intervention prevented what could have been a massive kidnapping operation, with more than 100 people reportedly at risk of being abducted. The bandits were forced to retreat after encountering superior firepower from the security team.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, Governor Ododo expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State.
He praised the military, security agencies, vigilantes, and local hunters for their courage and swift response, describing their actions as heroic and instrumental in averting what could have been one of the largest mass abductions in the state’s history.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to strengthen security operations and work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place in Kogi State.
