A suspected kidnapping attempt in Katsina State ended with one person dead and 14 others rescued, after police intervened in a fierce gunfight with armed bandits.
The incident took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, around 7:55 PM when armed bandits attacked two commercial vehicles along the Magama Jibia road in Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State. The bandits, carrying dangerous weapons, opened fire on the vehicles in an attempt to kidnap the occupants.
The Divisional Police Officer of Jibia led a team of officers to the scene and engaged the bandits in a gunfight. Their quick response led to the rescue of 14 victims. However, two of the rescued individuals were injured by gunshots and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one of the victims later died from his injuries.
Katsina State Police spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the attack and the successful rescue in a statement on Monday. He said, “Two rescued victims suffered gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, one victim succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.”
Sadiq added that the police are continuing efforts to arrest the suspects who managed to flee the scene. Katsina’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Musa, praised the officers’ bravery in thwarting the kidnapping attempt and urged the public to report any information on criminal activities.
He stated, “The CP commended the officers’ exceptional display of gallantry and dedication to duty, charging them to sustain the tempo. He further urged members of the public with useful information on suspected criminal activities to report to the nearest police station promptly.”
