Video showing Sunday Igboho Storms Kogi Towns Ahead of Planned Southwest Forest Takeover
Sunday Igboho has embarked on a familiarisation tour of key communities in Kogi State as he gears up his team for operations in forests across the Southwest region.
I really thank God that I am Yoruba
and I really thank God that my Yoruba mother didn’t marry a man from another tribe but married a Yoruba man, modupe lowo ori mi 😭👏🧎🙏😭
“Let everybody prepare against these bandits. Get your cutlass, sword and arrow ready. Don’t let them kill you like chickens. Invoke Sango and every ancient Yorùbá protection to defend our land” — Islamic scholar, Sheik Akeugbagold
Suspected bandits, on Wednesday, launched a deadly attack on Iluke-Bunu Community in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State, killing three persons in an attempt to abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to residents, the heavily armed assailants, who reportedly arrived on about 40 motorcycles and disguised themselves in military uniforms, stormed the community at about 10:00 a.m., firing sporadically before heading to Government Secondary School, Iluke, where the examination was in progress.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen disrupted the examination and attempted to force some of the students into the bush. However, the swift intervention of security personnel prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
Howeber, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said it received a distress call indicating that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the school with the intention of abducting students and residents.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised personnel from the Division, operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Command’s Tactical Teams, while military personnel and local vigilantes already operating in the area were also drafted into the operation.
The combined security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes.
While preliminary investigations did not establish any successful mass abduction, the police confirmed that three persons lost their lives during the attack.
The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; 70-year-old Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.
The Command disclosed that one of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Commissioner of Police in the state has directed sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols across the affected area, while joint security personnel comprising the police, military and local vigilantes have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.
The Police Command expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged residents to remain calm and continue to provide credible information to security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government described the incident as a terrorist attack carried out by criminal elements disguised as soldiers.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State government commended the gallantry of security personnel whose prompt response prevented a devastating mass abduction.
According to the statement, reports available to the government indicated that the attackers had already begun marching some students into the bush when security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety,” the statement said.
Fanwo disclosed that several of the fleeing attackers escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that security agencies had launched a manhunt to apprehend all those involved.
He praised the military, local vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel whose sacrifices helped avert a major tragedy, assuring that the government was working with relevant agencies to strengthen security in the area.
“Kogi State will not submit to terror. Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated and uncompromising response from security agencies and the Government,” the Commissioner stated.
🇬🇧 Belfast protests turned violent yesterday, causing much damage as people let their anger out on migrant homes, cars and shops.
One burning car was sent into a house and set it ablaze. Crazy.
🇳🇬👮♂️The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi leads his men in an operation to the hideout of b@nd!t t£rr0r!st in the FCT Area Abuja.
This operation has led to the arrest of b@nd!ts t£rr0r!sing the general area of Abuja.
🫡🫡KUDOS TO FCT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE✊✊
Yoruba Muslims openly condemn religious terrorism, say our race will not be compromised on the altar religion, place spiritual curses on Terrorists who invaded Ogbomosho School.
SAY NO TO TERRORISM
🚨 JUST IN: Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi State is reportedly under attack by armed bandits.
Tragically, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Mr. Gani Anifowose, was killed during the attack this morning.
Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and the entire Iluke-Bunu community. 💔🕊️
The Itsekiri are known for their calm and peaceful nature, but every patience has its limit. Those pushing them too far are playing a dangerous game. 🤷♂️be warned 🤷♂️