The Zamfara State Police Command has debunked reports of the kidnapping of 26 travellers on the Gusau-Sokoto Road.
Recall that on Wednesday it was gathered that bandits in large numbers, mounted roadblock on Gusau-Sokoto road and successfully kidnapped about 26 passengers .
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, spokesperson for the Zamfara police command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the blockage of the road by the bandits but debunked report of abduction.
According to him, no passenger was abducted as security personnel successfully drove away the bandits and cleared the road.
He however confirmed that, “Normalcy has been restored on the road.”
“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to clear the air about news going viral that armed bandits blocked the Gusau – Sokoto highway and abducted 26 travelers at Kwaren Kirya village under the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“However, on February 20, 2024, at about 0900hrs, information was received from a Good Samaritan that armed bandits blocked the Gusau – Sokoto highway with the intent to perpetuate their nefarious acts.” It said.
The statement added that upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maru Division mobilised his anti-kidnap team in collaboration with the team of Police Mobile Force deployed for quick intervention by the Command Headquarters, swung into action, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.”
“Due to the pressure mounted on them by the two teams of police, the bandits took to their heels and entered the bush with possible gunshot wounds.
“Therefore, the Command wishes to clear the misconception that the bandits abducted 26 passengers from a Toyota 18-seater bus and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle. It said.
It further noted that none of the travelers were abducted, as the police operatives have salvaged the situation. Normalcy has been restored, and adequate measures have been taken to avoid the reoccurrence of the incident.
It urged the good people of the state and other Nigerians to disregard the disinformation, which, according to him, was an attempt to disrupt the great operational effect of the police and other sister security agencies in the state.
He urged well-meaning members of the state to assist the command with the relevant information required to bring an end to banditry and bring about absolute normalcy in the state.
