Swift Troops’ Intervention Foils Attack on School, Saves Students in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama 

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.