Residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have narrated how armed bandits invaded their community on Wednesday morning, June 10.
The attackers reportedly killed a vice principal and two other persons while attempting to abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to information gathered from community sources by Daily Trust, the attackers stormed the area and targeted students writing their WAEC examinations at UBE Iluke Bunu.
A community source described the attack as terrifying, saying residents fled as gunshots echoed throughout the community.
“We woke up to heavy gunfire this morning. The bandits came into the community and there was panic everywhere. People were running for safety while students writing WAEC were thrown into fear,” the source said.
The source added that security operatives responded promptly and prevented what could have become a mass abduction of students and school officials.
“If not for the quick intervention of soldiers from the nearby military formation and vigilantes, many students would have been taken away. The soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat,” the resident said.
It was gathered that Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, was killed during the attack alongside two other individuals.
Another resident lamented the worsening security situation in the area.
“Our community is under serious threat. We heard gunshots for a long time. People are still searching for some residents, and we don’t know their whereabouts yet,” the resident said.
Local sources stated that troops from the Nigerian Army formation in Suku-Kiri Bunu responded to distress calls and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
During the operation, one of the bandits was reportedly killed, while others escaped into nearby bushes.
