Katsina: Police foil kidnapping attempt, rescue 7 victims

The Katsina State Police Command announced on Wednesday that it successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Yan Shantuma village, Danmusa Local Government Area, and rescued seven victims.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesperson, revealed that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A distress call alerted the Danmusa Divisional Police Headquarters about an attack by suspected bandits on the village.

The bandits had kidnapped three people, stolen 23 goats, and robbed villagers of foodstuffs and valuables. In response, the police, in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), swiftly deployed a team to the scene.

The team ambushed the assailants at Tashar Ice village as they attempted to flee with the victims. A fierce gunfight ensued, resulting in the bandits fleeing with gunshot injuries. All kidnapped victims were safely rescued and the stolen items recovered.

Additionally, on Tuesday at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Safana Divisional Police Headquarters received information about a Volkswagen Golf II wagon, loaded with goods, abandoned by the roadside at Gobirawa village along Gora-Runka road. The occupants were suspected to have been kidnapped.

The DPO mobilized a search and rescue team, which combed the surrounding bushes. Following a fierce gun battle with the suspected kidnappers, four occupants of the abandoned vehicle were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing bandits as investigations continue. The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their swift action and urged them to maintain their efforts. He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and crucial information to assist in combating criminal activities.