The Katsina State Police Command has foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Sabuwa local government area of the state, rescuing a total of twenty-eight (28) victims.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the successes were part of the Command’s intensified efforts under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, to tackle the rising wave of kidnapping and banditry in the state.
Aliyu said the police received a distress call from a Good Samaritan on July 29 at approximately 9:24 a.m., alerting the operatives on an ambush by armed bandits along the Sabuwa – Kaya Road, near Inno Junction.
Police said the armed attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, had reportedly kidnapped 14 travelers.
In response to the call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sabuwa promptly mobilised a team of operatives to the location.
The PPRO said a fierce gun battle ensued thereafter, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.
He further revealed that all 14 victims were rescued unharmed but unfortunately, one male victim, identified as Abba, aged 27, from Funtua town, was fatally shot by the bandits before police intervention.
Aliyu also explained that in a separate incident the previous night, on July 28 at around 11:27 p.m., the police received another distress call from Zagaizagi Village in the same LGA where suspected bandits had attacked the community and kidnapped several residents.
The PPRO said police operatives engaged the attackers in a shootout and succeeded in rescuing another 14 kidnapped persons, recovering two rustled cows.
Sadly, two residents lost their lives during the confrontation.
The Command stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in both incidents.
Commending his officers for their courage and swift response, CP Shehu urged the public to continue supporting the Command with timely and credible information.
“The command remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the state,” CP Shehu assured.
