Kogi State Government has frowned at the hasty conclusion that Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, was burnt by Fulani herdsmen. In its preliminary reports released by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi state government said such unconfirmed conclusion could spark tension in the state.
Fanwo stated that Governor Yahaya Bello has directed for the immediate rehabilitation of the school to ensure academic activities are not affected. “He has also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to immediately put temporary measures in place to ensure students at the school continue with their education unhindered. “Our preliminary findings showed that the inferno was as a result of indiscriminate bush burning by unknown persons. “As we continue to investigate the cause of the inferno, we sue for caution in making statements that can undermine the peaceful coexistence of the people of Kogi State and other ethnic groups in the State. “Kogi State enjoys peaceful coexistence with the Fulani, Bassa, Nupe and other communities living or doing businesses in the State, absolve Fulani of any blame as he described them as peace loving people
“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA as well as the State Security Adviser have been charged to unravel the mystery behind the inferno as those responsible, no matter their tribe or position will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The state government sympathised with the Iluke community and all those affected directly and indirectly by the inferno.