Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms killed three people and attempted to abduct students sitting for WAEC examinations in Kogi State before security forces intervened and rescued all the students unharmed.
The attack occurred Tuesday in Iluke Community, Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, when the gunmen stormed the area, disrupted an ongoing West African Examinations Council test, and had already begun marching students into the bush when military personnel and local security operatives engaged them in a gun battle.
Security forces neutralized one of the attackers during the confrontation.
Several others fled with gunshot wounds and remained at large. Authorities say they are actively pursuing the fleeing bandits.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the attack in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who described the disguise in military uniforms as a deliberate attempt to deceive residents.
"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.
The government extended condolences to the families of the three killed and praised the joint response of the military, local vigilantes, and hunters whose intervention prevented what it called a potentially devastating mass abduction.
Authorities say they are strengthening security presence in the affected community and will announce additional measures.
The government urged residents to remain calm and share information with security agencies.
"Kogi State will not submit to terror," the statement said. "Criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our State will continue to meet a determined, coordinated, and uncompromising response."
The attack is the latest in a series of security incidents involving bandits targeting civilian communities and students in Nigeria's north-central region.
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