Katsina: Police repel gunmen, rescue Judge, others

• The hoodlums invaded the area at about 11pm with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically into the air on arrival
• The hoodlums were said to have moved from house to house, bringing out people before the prompt intervention of the policemen, military personnel and members of vigilante groups

The Police in Katsina State have thwarted an attack by gunmen in Malunfashi in Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen numbering about 50 stormed the Tijjani Malumfashi Housing Estate on Saturday night attempting to kidnap some locals.

The hoodlums invaded the area at about 11pm with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically into the air on arrival.

The hoodlums were said to have moved from house to house, bringing out people before the prompt intervention of the policemen, military personnel and members of vigilante groups.

According to the PUNCH, the swift arrival of the police and the military personnel saved the kidnapped persons, including a judge (Alkali Saidu), from being whisked away by the hoodlums.

It was gathered that no fewer than six people were brought out of their respective houses, tied and blindfolded before the arrival of security personnel.

“The Divisional Police Officer in Malumfashi, alongside a team of policemen, soldiers and the vigilante groups, successfully repelled the attack.

“There was heavy exchange of fire between the hoodlums and security personnel for over an hour before they (the gunmen) took to their heels.

“But one of the victims, a prominent businessman, Alhaji Zaharaddeen, popularly known as Danmaliki was shot by the gunmen and is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Kwandala Malumfashi,” the source said.

Meanwhile, residents of the Malumfashi have continued to hail the Divisional Police Officer, Bello Umar, and the military for their timely intervention and gallantry, which prevented the hoodlums from kidnapping many people in the estate.

The Public Relations Officer of Katsina Police Command, Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, adding that the Command had commenced investigation into the incident.