The joint patrol team of the Nigerian Police Force and members of Sokoto community guards successfully foiled a banditry attack on a commercial vehicle at Kwanar Mahalba, along Goronyo-Sabon Birni road on Wednesday.
The team in the process rescued seven of the thirteen passengers in the vehicle, with five running into the bush while the remaining one was shot dead by the Bandit
Receiving the rescued victims, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir commended the effort of the joint patrol team for a job well done.
Gobir expressed appreciation that within the last four days, the joint patrol team has rescued a total number of 63 victims from bandits.
The Deputy Governor said, “The breakdown of the figure showed that 24 victims were rescued last Sunday, 39 on Monday and 7 were rescued today.
“I assure you that the state government will continue to give all the necessary support and assistance to the joint patrol teams and other security personnel to enable you to get rid of banditry in the state.
“Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ordered that anything requested for the purpose of ensuring the security of lives and properties of people in the state must be provided without delay.”
He further said efforts were being intensified by the state government in collaboration with the Federal Government in tackling the activities of Lakurawa terrorists.
According to him, “Security was being beefed up in areas known to have members of Lakurawa.”
Speaking on behalf of the rescued victims, Malam Umar Isa Magajin Gatarawa, said they were travelling from Isa to Sokoto when armed bandits emerged and blocked the road along Kwanar Mahalba.
He said, “When the driver of the vehicle attempted to escape, the bandits fired at the tyres.”
Magaji said while the passengers took their heels into the bush for escape, the joint patrol team who had been moving from one place to another arrived and the intense exchange of fire forced the bandits to run away.
He, however, said one of the passengers died from a gunshot.
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