Residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have recounted how armed bandits stormed their community on Wednesday morning, June 10, in a deadly attack targeting students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Attack on WAEC Candidates
The attackers reportedly killed a vice principal and two other individuals while attempting to abduct students sitting for the ongoing WASSCE. According to information gathered, the bandits targeted students at UBE Iluke Bunu.
A community source, who shared multiple audio recordings and videos of the incident, described the attack as terrifying. Residents were forced to flee as gunshots echoed across the area. "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.
Security Response
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 reported.
Legit.ng gathered that Gani Anifowose, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aharha-Bunu, was killed during the attack alongside two other persons.
Community in Fear
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 said 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.
