WAEC Candidates Abducted as Bandits Invade Iluke Bunu, Kill School Vice Principal
Panic has gripped Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after armed bandits killed a school vice principal and abducted three students preparing to sit for the WAEC English Language examination.
Residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have called for urgent government intervention following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left a school administrator dead and several students abducted.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over the security situation in the area.
Community sources identified the deceased as Mr. Gani Anifowose, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, who was reportedly killed during the invasion by the armed assailants.
Residents disclosed that the attackers operated for several hours, creating fear and confusion within the community. They lamented what they described as a lack of immediate security response while the attack was ongoing.
Adding to the tragedy, three students of the community who were expected to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper on Wednesday were reportedly abducted by the attackers.
The incident has sparked fresh fears over the safety of students, teachers and residents in rural communities, particularly as schools continue to conduct external examinations.
The latest attack has also renewed calls for stronger security measures across vulnerable communities in Kogi State, where residents have repeatedly expressed concerns over the activities of criminal elements operating in forested areas.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as barbaric, unfortunate and unacceptable.
The council chairman extended his condolences to the family of the slain vice principal and sympathized with all residents affected by the incident.
He reassured the people of the local government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to address emerging security threats within the area.
Hon. Dare Michael called on the Nigerian Army to urgently deploy personnel to the newly constructed Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Iluke Bunu to strengthen security presence and improve rapid response capabilities in the community and surrounding areas.
He also appealed to the Kogi State Police Command to reinforce security operations by deploying additional personnel and operational assets to the district.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, the chairman particularly praised local security operatives for their bravery during the attack. According to him, their swift intervention led to an engagement with the attackers and helped prevent further loss of lives and destruction.
He disclosed that the local government administration is working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting solutions are implemented to prevent future attacks.