The police command in Katsina has confirmed the killing of three persons by bandits.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Abubakar Aliyu, on Wednesday in Katsina.

Mr Aliyu also said that operatives of the command rescued 28 kidnapped victims in the Sabuwa LGA.

According to him, on July 29, at about 9:24 a.m., a distress call was received from a good Samaritan that some suspected bandits with dangerous weapons blocked the Sabuwa-Kaya road, by Inono junction, in the locality, and abducted about 14 people.

”When the report was received, the DPO promptly mobilised operatives to the scene. A gun battle ensued, and the suspected abductors fled the scene due to superior tactics and firepower from police operatives.

“The team successfully rescued all 14 kidnapped victims unhurt, but regrettably, the bandits shot and killed one person identified as Abba from Funtua LGA,” he said.

He added that similarly, on July 28, at about 11:27 p.m., a distress call was received at the same Sabuwa Division, where suspected bandits with dangerous weapons attacked Zagaizagi village and kidnapped some residents.

He said that the DPO quickly mobilised and responded to the scene, engaging the bandits in a gunfight and foiling the attack.

“The team successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered two rustled cows. Regrettably, the bandits shot and killed two persons during the attack,” he said.

The officer said efforts were being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

He said police commissioner Bello Shehu commended the operatives for their exceptional act of valour.

Mr Aliyu called on the public to continue supporting the command, as well as all security agencies in the state, with accurate and timely information to enable prompt and decisive action against all criminal elements in the state.

(NAN)