From Maiharaji Altine, Gusau
Zamfara State Police command has rescued 21 islamiyya school children kidnapped by bandits along Gusau-tsafe-Funtuwa road.
Their teacher, Malam Lawali Ibrahim was however not rescued.
Briefing newsmen in Gusau on Saturday, the spokesperson of the command SP Mohammed Shehu said, the children included 19 boys and two girls.
Shehu said, “The 21 kidnapped children including two female were among the people abducted by suspected armed bandits at Kucheri Village, along Gusau – Funtua Road on 31st December, 2021 at about 2300hrs”.
He said, “On 31st December, 2021 at about 2300hrs, a distress call was received from Kucheri Village Via Tsafe LGA that, armed bandits in their large number blocked Gusau – Funtua Federal Highway at Kucheri axis, and abducted unspecified number of commuters in five different vehicles”.
“Police Tactical Operatives in conjunction with the military promptly responded to the distress call and moved to scene, where they engaged the hoodlums to a serious gun battle”.
“The Police Operatives succeeded in rescuing twenty one kidnapped children including two female who were coming from Rini Village in Bakura LGA to Katsina State for Almajiri Islamiyya school along with their teacher named Lawali Ibrahim”.
Acccording to the PPRO, the teacher of the children Lawali Ibrahim and the driver of their Hummer Bus vehicle were among the victims that are currently in captivity.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police CP Ayuba Elkana has already sent reinforcement of Police operatives to complement the effort of the joint security operatives currently working to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators”.
“The command is calling on the general public especially drivers and passengers to desist from night journey”.
“The night time is the period that is mostly used by the bandits to block road and kidnap commuters in the state”.
“On its part, the Police Command will continue to work assiduously to ensure the safety and security of the citizenry”. Concluded Shehu
