From Maiharaji Altine
Zamfara state police command said it has repelled an attempt by bandits to block Gusau-Sokoto road.
Analyzer news has gathered that, the bandits who were in large number have on Wednesday blocked Gusau-Sokoto road in an attempt to kidnap motorists plying the road.
Unconfirmed sources revealed that, the bandits have succeeded in kidnapping about 26 passengers before the arrival of the security agents.
However, in a sharp reaction, the state police command through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the blockage of the road by the bandits but debunked the claim that some people were kidnapped.
ASP Abubakar said, the police were able to drive away the marouding bandits and cleared the road, adding that, “Normalcy has been restored on the road”.
Abubakar said, “The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to clear the air about news going viral that armed bandits blocked Gusau – Sokoto highway and abducted 26 travelers at kwaren kirya village under the Maru local government area of Zamfara State”.
“However, on 20 February 2024 at about 0900hrs information was received from Good Samaritan that armed bandits blocked Gusau – Sokoto highway with the intent to perpetuate their nefarious acts”.
“On receiving the information the Divisional police officer (Dpo) of Maru Division mobilized his Ani-kidnap team in collaboration with the team of police Mobile Force deployed for quick intervention by the Command Headquarters, swung into action, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel”
“Due to the pressure mounted to them by
the two teams of police, the bandits took to their heels and entered the bush with possible gun wounds”.
“Therefore, the Command wishes to clear the misconception that the bandits abducted 26 passengers from a Toyota 18 seaters bus and a Volkswagen golf vehicle is misleading information”.
“None of the travelers were abducted as the police Operatives have salvaged the situation, normalcy has been restored and adequate measures have been taken to avoid the re-occurrence of the incident”.
ASP Abubakar therefore urged the good people of the state and Nigeria in general to disregard the disinformation which according to him was an attempt to disrupt the great operational effect of the police and other sister security agencies in the State.
He also urged the journalists to always contact always contact him to verify their information before going to the press.
He urged well-meaning members of the state to assist the command with relevant information required to bring an end to banditry and bring about absolute normalcy in the state.
