The police command in Zamfara has confirmed the killing of the District Head of Gada in Bungudu local government area of the state, Umaru Bawan-Allah and four others.

The command has also arrested some suspected bandits, rescued 10 kidnapped victims and seized some weapons.

On Wednesday, the police commissioner in Zamfara, Ayuba Elkanah, disclosed this at a press conference in Gusau.

“Today at about 0335hrs, armed bandits in large number, invaded Gada Village in Bungudu local government area of the state where they killed the district head of the area, Alhaji Umaru Bawan-Allah along with four other villagers and kidnapped some community members,” said the police commissioner.

Speaking further, Mr Elkanah stated, “The police tactical operatives in collaboration with the Military and Vigilante responded promptly and engaged the assailants to a serious gun battle.”

The police chief stated that the joint tactical teams were able to disperse the hoodlums and rescue 10 kidnapped victims, including a one-year-old baby.

“Normalcy has already been restored in the affected area, and its environ with improved confidence-building patrol by security forces,” he told journalists.

According to him, on December 28, 2021, at about 0500hrs, the police tactical operatives deployed along Zurmi local government on confidence-building patrol acted on intelligence that led to the arrest of a notorious bandit, popularly known as Maiyammata, who hails from Mayasa village.

“The suspect who was arrested while trying to block the road and kidnap commuters at a village called Koliya was a former member of Bello Turji,” the police commissioner revealed. “He is now believed to be operating under another notorious bandit kingpin known as Kachalla Sani-Black who operates along Zurmi, Shinkafi and Birnin Magaji local government areas.”

One AK-47 rifle, double magazines with three rounds of live ammunition and one Boxer motorcycle were seized from the suspected bandits, said the police.

“He is currently undergoing discreet investigation aimed at arresting his partners in crime before being charged to court for prosecution,” Mr Elkanah explained.

(NAN)