The timely intervention of security troops has prevented what could have been a major attack on students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eyewitnesses who spoke after the incident commended the swift response of the troops, saying their prompt arrival at the scene prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students.
The attack occurred when armed men stormed the community and started shooting where students were writing their examinations.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants attempted to seize the students and move them into a nearby bush before security personnel responded to distress calls from residents.
“The situation would have been much worse if the soldiers had not arrived when they did. Their intervention saved the students and prevented what could have been a major tragedy,” one resident said.
Another eyewitness described the response of the troops as timely and professional, noting that the security operatives engaged the attackers and forced them to abandon their mission.
The residents said the arrival of the troops compelled the attackers to retreat from the area.
All the students were reportedly safe and unharmed and safely reunited with their families following the operation.
Community members also praised local security volunteers and other security agencies that supported the operation.
The incident, however, left the community in mourning following the death of three residents during the attack.
Security sources said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
A security operation is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Residents of Iluke Community expressed gratitude to the troops for their courage and sacrifice, describing the intervention as a decisive action that prevented a larger humanitarian crisis.
They urged security agencies to sustain the ongoing operations and strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities across the area.
The Kogi State Government has also commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation, assuring residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The troops observed the movement of suspected terrorists towards a military position and responded appropriately to prevent any attack on the location.
“During a subsequent exploitation operation, two terrorist corpses and a motorcycle were discovered in the general area,” the source said.
The sources noted that an assessment of the bodies indicated signs of decomposition, suggesting that the terrorists may have been neutralised during an earlier encounter with troops operating around Buni Yadi.
The area was thoroughly searched, but no additional items were recovered.
Military authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and prevent them from regrouping within the North-East theatre of operations.
They added that troops remained vigilant and committed to protecting communities and military installations across the region.
According to the authorities, the overall security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, requiring continuous surveillance and proactive operations.
They also expressed satisfaction with the morale and fighting efficiency of troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The military reassured residents of its determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups and maintain security across the North-East.
By: Zagazola Makama
