The police command in Gombe State on Sunday said it neutralised three bandits while rescuing three victims in Lambo village in the Pindiga District of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the state police spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Gombe on Sunday.

Mr Abdullahi said the command had received a report regarding an attack allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits in Rahama, Lambo, and Garin Galadima villages in Pindiga District, Akko LGA.

He said that around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, information revealed that suspected bandits invaded Rahama Village via Gagarabami, where they shot and killed 70-year-old Tela Ahmadu and thereafter abducted his two sons.

Mr Abdullahi said the bandits subsequently, at 3:40 p.m., the same day, stormed Lambo village and abducted Babayo Garba, Abba Musa, and 20-year-old Baayo Bayi.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, police tactical teams under Operation Hattara, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

“During the operation, the said Baayo Bayi was unfortunately caught in the crossfire and later confirmed dead, while Babayo Garba and Malam Abba Musa were successfully rescued.

“Three of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries,” he said.

The spokesperson said that two AK-47 rifles, 68 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, four magazines, 120 expended 7.62mm ammunition shells, four operational motorcycles, and the bodies of three bandits neutralised were recovered as exhibits.

Mr Abdullahi said the rescued victims were taken to a hospital for medical examination while efforts were being intensified to rescue the two victims from Rahama Village and to arrest the fleeing suspects.

(NAN)