Bandits reportedly killed two people and abducted several others in a fresh attack on Maibakko village, located in the Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Thursday.
The state police command, however, confirmed that during a fierce gun battle with the attackers, its operatives managed to foil a kidnap attempt and rescue 13 victims, though some others were taken by the bandits.
In a statement issued late Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, detailed the events. He explained that on February 6th, 2025, around 1:43 AM, the Sabuwa Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress call about a group of armed bandits, some wielding AK-47 rifles, who had stormed Maibakko village. The assailants were reported to have been shooting sporadically while abducting the residents.
Responding swiftly, police operatives arrived at the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. This effort led to the successful rescue of 13 victims. Tragically, two people were killed by the bandits, and one other sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The 13 rescued individuals, though visibly shaken, were safely reunited with their families. The police assured that efforts are underway to locate and rescue the remaining victims while working to apprehend the bandits responsible for the attack.
“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and combat crime, as well as bring those involved in criminal activities to justice,” DSP Sadiq assured.
