From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
The Zamfara state police command has debunked media report that, 60 passengers were abducted last Sunday on Sokoto-Gusau road, saying that only 11 were abducted.
In a statement, the spokesperson of the command SP Mohammed Shehu said, the story was only an attempt by some mischief makers to create fear and apprehension into the minds of the general public, especially the commuters.
“The attention of Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to a story trending on social and conventional media that armed bandits blocked sokoto – Gusau Road and abducted 60 people travelling from sokoto to Abuja”.
“The command wishes to debunk the story and viewed it as inaccurate and a calculated attempt by some mischief makers to create fear and apprehension into the minds of the general public, especially the commuters”.
“For the avoidance of doubt and purpose of clarity, the Command is hereby giving the accurate report of the incident”.
“On Sunday 25th July, 2021, large number of armed bandits blocked a Toyota Bus Vehicle, blonging to Sokoto State Mass Transit and abducted eleven (11) Passengers who were travelling from Sokoto – Abuja along Sokoto – Gusau Road in Bakura LGA”.
“Police Tactical operatives attached to Operation Restore Peace were alerted, and they quickly mobilzed to the location and dislodged the hoodlums who blocked many vehicles for abduction”.
“The road was instantly cleared for motorists and other road users and reinforced more Police Operatives to improve the security and safety of the commuters”.
Shehu further explained that in the course of mopping up the scene, a Toyota Bus Vehicle belonging to Sokoto State Mass Transit was sighted empty and it was revealed that eleven (11) Passengers including the driver were abducted and taken to the bush before the arrival of the Police.
According to Shehu, the security personnel embarked on search and rescue operation in the sarrounding bush with a view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.
“Two persons who were left far behind with other hoodlums were abandoned by their captors for fear of being neutralised by the Police operatives, the remaining nine (9) victims were taken to the forest”.
The command, according to him was currently employing various search and rescue strategies aimed at rescuing the victims safely.
He enjoined members of the public to discontenance the abduction of 60 people”.
“On the other hand, members of the press are urged to always verify the authenticity of any information that comes their way before going to the public”. Concluded Shehu.
