How Troops Stopped Mass Kidnap of WAEC Candidates after Deadly Attack on Kogi Community

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Jun 10, 2026 #bandits in military uniform, #Iluke community attack, #Kabba Bunu bandits, #Kingsley Femi Fanwo, #Kogi bandit attack June 2026, #Kogi school attack, #Kogi school kidnapping attempt, #Kogi security operation, #Kogi State Government, #Kogi WAEC candidates rescue, #mass abduction foiled, #Nigeria school security crisis, #principal killed in Kogi attack, #student killed in Iluke attack, #WAEC examination attack

Segun Atanda/

The Kogi State Government has confirmed that the principal of a secondary school and a student were among those killed when armed bandits attacked Iluke community in the Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, disrupting an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, sent panic through the community after gunmen, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, stormed the area and targeted the school where candidates were sitting for their WAEC examinations.

According to the Kogi State Government, the attackers attempted to abduct students from the examination centre and had already begun marching them into the bush when security forces launched a swift counter-operation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said the prompt intervention of military personnel and local security operatives led to a fierce gun battle that thwarted what could have become a major kidnapping tragedy.

The government confirmed that three residents lost their lives during the attack, including the school principal and one of the students.

One of the bandits was also killed during the exchange of fire, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

“All the students were rescued unharmed from the abductors,” the statement said, describing the security response as gallant and decisive.

While mourning the victims, the Kogi State Government extended its condolences to their families and the Iluke community, assuring residents that those behind the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.

Security agencies have since intensified operations in the area and are reportedly pursuing the fleeing attackers believed to have sustained injuries during the gunfight.

The government also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that criminal groups seeking to destabilise the state would continue to face a coordinated and uncompromising response from security agencies.

Residents were urged to remain calm, stay vigilant and provide useful information to security authorities as efforts continue to strengthen security across the affected communities.

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