From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
At least, three persons lost their lives on Wednesday when suspected bandits attacked Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
They include: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged 6 years.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Kogi State Command’s spokesperson, ASP Salihu Oyiza Afusat, in Lokoja.
”At about 10:00 a.m., the Command received distress information that a large number of heavily armed bandits, operating on about forty motorcycles, had invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents of the community.
”Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Kabba ‘A’ Division, immediately activated a coordinated security response by mobilizing personnel from the Division, alongside operatives of the Police Mobile Force and the Command’s Tactical Teams. Other security personnel already deployed in the area, including military personnel and local vigilante groups, were equally alerted and joined the operation,” the statement read.
She said that the combined security operatives engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush.
”Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents. However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
”Regrettably, during the attack, three persons lost their lives. They include: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged 6 years. The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased, and assures them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
”During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bandits was neutralised, while the security operatives attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries, and are currently receiving medical treatment.
”The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, has ordered sustained bush-combing and confidence-building patrols across the affected area. Joint security operatives comprising the police, military personnel, and local vigilantes are currently conducting intensive operations aimed at apprehending the fleeing criminals, and preventing any further threat to lives and property.
”Members of the public are advised to remain calm, vigilant, and should continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing operations. Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” she added.