The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three persons by suspected bandits in separate attacks, even as its operatives successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, in Katsina.
According to Aliyu, the first incident occurred on July 29, at about 9:24 a.m., when a distress call alerted police that armed bandits had blocked the Sabuwa-Kaya Road, near Inono Junction, and abducted about 14 travellers.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised operatives to the scene. A gun battle ensued, and the suspects fled due to the superior tactics and firepower of the police,” the statement read.
“All 14 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt. However, one victim, identified as Abba from Funtua Local Government Area, was shot and killed by the bandits before police arrived.”
In a similar incident, Aliyu said bandits attacked Zagaizagi village in the same Sabuwa LGA on July 28, at about 11:27 p.m., also kidnapping some residents.
“The DPO again mobilised personnel to the scene and engaged the attackers in a fierce gunfight. The operatives rescued another 14 kidnapped victims and recovered two rustled cows,” he said.
“Unfortunately, two persons were killed by the bandits during the attack.”
Aliyu noted that police efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely and accurate information to aid security efforts across the state.
