The police command in Kaduna State has repelled an attack by suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 39 stolen cows in Illa Village, Igabi Local Government Area.

The police public relations officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said that at about 5:00 a.m. on November 7, the divisional police officer, Rigachikun Division, received a distress call from one Yahaya Abubakar of Illa Village.

He said Mr Abubakar reported that at about 4:00 a.m. the same day, a group of armed men attacked the village, rustled cows belonging to three Fulani herders and shot one Abubakar, 25, in both legs.

“On receipt of the report, a combined team of police operatives led by the officer-in-charge, Amana Outpost, local vigilantes and villagers swiftly mobilised, pursued the suspects into the bush and engaged them in a gun duel,” he said.

Mr Hassan said that consequently, the rustlers abandoned the 39 stolen cows and escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries.

The spokesman said the injured victim was rushed to Shika Teaching Hospital, where he was responding to treatment, while the recovered cows had been handed over to their owners.

Mr Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commended the gallantry of the operatives and community partnership and assured sustained onslaught against cattle rustling and other crimes in the state.

(NAN)