Katsina State Police command has said it foiled a bandit attack and a kidnapping attempt at Yan Shantuma village, in Danmusa Local Government Area and rescued seven victims in the process.
This was revealed by the spokesman of the command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.
Aliyu said, “On Wednesday, at about 4:30 pm, a distress call was received at the Danmusa Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected bandits attacked the village.
“The suspected bandits kidnapped three persons, rustled 23 goats, robbed the villagers of foodstuffs and some valuables.
“Upon receipt of the report, the police mobilised operatives in collaboration with the members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and rushed to the scene.
“The team ambushed the assailants at Tashar Ice village while trying to escape with the victims, where a fierce fight ensued.
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”This resulted in the assailants fleeing the scene with gunshot injuries as all the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and the stolen items recovered.
“Consequently, on Tuesday, at about 6:50 pm, information was received at Safana Divisional Police Headquarters.
“It was to the effect that a Volkswagen Golf II wagon, loaded with goods, was seen abandoned by the roadside at Gobirawa village along Gora-Runka road with its occupants suspected to have been kidnapped.”
Sadiq-Aliyu said that the DPO quickly mobilised a search and rescue team to the scene where the surrounding bushes were vigorously combed. He further revealed that four occupants of the abandoned vehicle were successfully rescued following a fierce gun duel with the suspected kidnappers, and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“Efforts are being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing bandits as the investigation proceeds,” he said.
Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police in the state urged them to sustain the tempo. He urged residents to keep providing the command and other security agencies with relevant information on criminal activities going on in the community.