Kogi vows justice as bandits kill three residents

The Kogi State Government has pledged to pursue justice for the three residents killed during a bandit attack on the Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo issued a statement expressing the government's deep sadness and condolences to the victims' families and the community.

Fanwo reported that the assailants, who were disguised in military uniforms, invaded the community and disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The bandits attempted to march students into the bush, but security operatives intervened, engaging them in a fierce gun battle. The commissioner commended the swift response of military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security operatives, whose intervention prevented a mass abduction and further casualties.

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

"Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety," Fanwo stated. During the operation, security forces neutralized one bandit, while several others reportedly escaped with severe gunshot wounds. Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The government expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the military and local security personnel, whose actions saved innocent lives and averted a potentially devastating mass abduction. Fanwo assured residents that Kogi State would not yield to terror and that criminal elements would face a determined and uncompromising response. The government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to strengthen security presence in the area.

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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.