Bandits Disrupt WAEC Exam in Kogi, kill vice principal, six-year-old boy, and Fail to Abduct WAEC Candidates in Kogi Attack

Three persons were killed in the early hours of Tuesday after armed bandits disguised as military personnel invaded Iluke Community in the Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The attackers reportedly stormed the community during a WAEC examination session, causing panic as they forcefully rounded up candidates and began leading them into the bush.

However, a swift response by security operatives, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, thwarted the abduction attempt. The security team engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, successfully rescuing all the students unharmed.

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One of the bandits was killed during the exchange of fire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

Confirming the incident, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the attackers deliberately wore military uniforms to deceive residents and gain easy access to the community.

“Owing to the superior firepower, professionalism, and courage of the security agents, all the students were successfully rescued unharmed and returned to safety,” Fanwo stated.

The state government expressed condolences to the families of the three victims who lost their lives in the attack and commended the coordinated efforts of the military, local vigilantes, and hunters whose intervention prevented what could have become a large-scale abduction.

According to the government, security has been reinforced in the affected community, while additional measures are being considered to forestall future attacks.

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Residents were also urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

“Kogi State will not submit to terror,” the commissioner said. “Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our state will continue to meet a determined, coordinated, and uncompromising response.”

The incident adds to growing concerns over recurring attacks by bandit groups targeting communities, schools, and vulnerable civilians across parts of Nigeria's North-Central region.

The spokesperson of the Kogi state police command said the bandits killed the school vice principal, a six-year-old boy, and a 70-year-old man during the attack.