The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three persons by suspected bandits and the rescue of 28 kidnapped victims in separate incidents across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu.
According to Aliyu, one of the incidents occurred on July 29, when a distress call was received at about 9:24 a.m. from a Good Samaritan reporting that armed bandits had blocked the Sabuwa-Kaya Road near Inono Junction and abducted 14 persons.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sabuwa swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene. A fierce gun duel ensued, during which the bandits were overpowered and fled,” Aliyu said.
“All 14 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt. Unfortunately, one victim, identified as Abba from Funtua Local Government Area, was shot and killed by the bandits.”
In a separate incident on July 28, around 11:27 p.m., bandits also attacked Zagaizagi village in Sabuwa Local Government Area and abducted several residents.
Aliyu said the DPO and his team promptly responded, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, and successfully rescued another 14 victims and recovered two rustled cows.
“Regrettably, two people were shot and killed by the bandits during the attack,” he added.
The Police Command said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism during the rescue operations. He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and accurate information to help rid the state of criminal elements.
