The Sokoto State police command has rescued 32 kidnap victims after bandits killed four persons during an attack in Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesman, Ahmad Rufai, said the incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

He said the Rabah Police Division received a distress call reporting a large contingent of armed bandits operating around Maikujera, a remote hamlet bordering Zamfara State.

“Intelligence indicated that the hoodlums were moving with rustled livestock and multiple kidnapped hostages while firing sporadically into the air and at residents,” he said.

Mr Rufai said the police immediately mobilised available tactical teams, and other security teams to establish blocking positions along exit routes from the village to prevent the bandits from escaping with their victims.

He stated, “The teams engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for an extended period. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical maneuvering of the combined security forces, the hoodlums abandoned their hostages and rustled animals, escaping into the forest.”

According to him, security operatives conducted a thorough search of the bush and surrounding areas and rescued victims who had fled for shelter.

He added that the victims, comprising six adult males and 26 females, were rescued unhurt.

The spokesman said the rescued victims had been evacuated to a safe location and were receiving medical and psychological support, adding that they would be reunited with their families shortly.

“Tragically, four persons were confirmed shot and killed by the bandits during the initial attack before security forces arrived,” he said.