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By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor

The Kogi State Government on Friday dismissed reports that the Government Secondary School, Iluke-Bunu, was burnt by herdsmen.

The government, in a statement by Information and Communications Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo, cautioned against wrongful attribution, saying such baseless speculation could spark tension on the state.

Government said its preliminary findings showed that the inferno was caused by 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,” it said.

Fanwo noted that Kogi State enjoyed peaceful coexistence with the Fulani, Bassa, Nupe and other communities living or doing businesses in the state.

He said the governor had charged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government and the State Security Adviser to unravel the mystery behind the inferno.

Read Also: Labelling all herdsmen ‘killers’ could lead to war – El-Rufai

The commissioner said those responsible, no matter their tribe or position, would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The statement added: “Education remains number one on our thematic areas. As a government, we will resist any form of attack on facilities where we are building the generation-next Kogites that we expect to be sound academically and believe in the unity of our dear nation.

“We sympathise with the Iluke community and all those affected directly and indirectly by the inferno.

“The Governor of Kogi State 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.

“The people of Kogi State should continue to trust government to protect them against any form of violence and other crimes.”

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