The Zamfara State Police Command has denied reports of the kidnap of 26 passengers on the Gusau-Sokoto Road.
According to The PUNCH, there were reports of bandits blocking the Gusau-Sokoto road in an attempt to kidnap motorists plying the road.
However, unconfirmed sources stated that the bandits successfully kidnapped about 26 passengers before the arrival of the security agents.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Yazid Abubakar, however confirmed the blockage of the road by the bandits but debunked the claim that some people were kidnapped.
Abubakar said, “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 travellers at kwaren kirya village under the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“However, on 20 February 2024, at about 0900hrs, information was received from Good Samaritan that armed bandits blocked the Gusau – Sokoto highway with the intent to perpetuate their nefarious acts.
“On receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maru Division mobilised his Ani-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.”
