Governor Ododo Visits Iluke, Vows Relentless Crackdown on Criminals as Security Forces Foil Abduction of WAEC Candidates
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has visited Iluke community following a deadly bandit attack that claimed three lives, praising security operatives for preventing the mass abduction of WAEC candidates and vowing to intensify the war against criminal elements in Kogi State.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has vowed to intensify the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements across the state following the deadly attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where three residents lost their lives during an attempted mass abduction by armed bandits.
The Governor made the declaration during a condolence visit and on-the-spot assessment of the community after the June 10 attack, which disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and threw residents into panic.
The attack, according to government sources, was carried out by heavily armed criminals who disguised themselves in military uniforms in an apparent attempt to gain access to the community and execute their operation unnoticed.
Among those killed during the attack were the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Pastor Anufo Owuse, an elderly resident, and a young girl who was reportedly struck by stray bullets. Authorities clarified that no student was killed during the incident despite widespread fears and initial reports suggesting otherwise.
The bandits had reportedly invaded the community and disrupted an ongoing WAEC examination, attempting to abduct students and other residents before security forces swiftly intervened.
Security operatives, supported by local vigilantes, hunters and community-based security personnel, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that ultimately foiled what authorities described as a potentially devastating mass kidnapping operation.
Available reports indicate that more than 100 persons, including examination candidates, could have been taken into captivity had security forces not responded promptly.
The superior firepower and coordinated response of the military and local security operatives forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee into nearby forests.
Government sources disclosed that one of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while several others escaped with serious gunshot wounds. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and their collaborators.
Addressing residents during his visit, Governor Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Iluke and the entire Bunu District.
The Governor assured residents that his administration would not relent in its responsibility to protect lives and property, stressing that criminal elements would find no safe haven anywhere in Kogi State.
He commended the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, describing their actions as courageous, patriotic and instrumental in preventing what could have become one of the largest school-related abductions in the state’s history.
“The bravery displayed by our security personnel and local security volunteers saved many innocent lives. Their swift intervention prevented a major tragedy and demonstrated our collective resolve to defend our communities against criminal elements,” the Governor said.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Government also praised the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies involved in the operation.
The government noted that all students who were being forced into the bush by the attackers were successfully rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
While mourning the victims, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security architecture across vulnerable communities and sustaining collaboration with security agencies to tackle emerging threats.
Government further disclosed that additional security measures are being considered to reinforce safety within affected areas and prevent future occurrences.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to law enforcement agencies.
The government maintained that Kogi State would continue to resist all forms of criminality and terrorism, warning that individuals or groups seeking to destabilise the peace of the state would be met with decisive action.
“As a government, we will not surrender our communities to criminals. Those responsible for this heinous act will be tracked down and brought to justice. Kogi State remains committed to protecting its citizens and preserving the peace we have worked hard to build,” the statement added.
The attack on Iluke has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, even as residents and stakeholders commended the swift response of security agencies whose intervention prevented what many described as a looming catastrophe.