The Katsina State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnapped victims and foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu in a statement issued Tuesday said the operations were part of the command’s ongoing offensive against banditry and kidnapping.
He explained that on July 29 at about 9:24 a.m, the police received a distress call that armed bandits had blocked the Sabuwa to Kaya road, near Inno Junction, and kidnapped about 14 people.
Aliyu noted that upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised operatives to the scene.
He added that the police team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.
Aliyu said: “All 14 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt. Unfortunately, the bandits shot and killed one Abba, 27, of Funtua town.
Meanwhile, another distress call was received on July 28 at about 11:27 p.m, Aliyu said the call indicated that bandits had attacked Zagaizagi village in the same LGA and kidnapped several residents.
According to him, The DPO again mobilised and led a team of officers to the scene. They engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and successfully rescued another 14 kidnapped victims and recovered two rustled cows.
Aliyu revealed that two persons were, however, killed by the bandits during the attack, saying efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.