POLICE FOIL ATTEMPTED KIDNAP IN KATSINA

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On Saturday night, gunmen attacked residents of the Tijjani Malumfashi housing estate in the Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina while attempting to kidnap a number of people.

The hoodlums numbering about 50, stormed the area at about 11:00 pm with ammunition and started shooting in the air on arrival.

The hoodlums, who divided themselves into groups, were said to have gone from one house to another, bringing out people before the prompt intervention of the policemen, military personnel, and members of vigilante groups.

A reliable source told The PUNCH on Sunday that, owing to the prompt arrival of the police and the military personnel, the kidnapped persons including a judge named Alkali Saidu, were saved 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, Malumfashi, alongside a team of policemen, army personnel, and the vigilante group, successfully repelled the attack,” the source said.

He added, “There was a 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 the General Hospital, Kwandala, Malumfashi,” the source noted.

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

When contacted, the state Public Relations Officer, ASP Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He, however, said that the command had commenced an investigation into the incident and would revert later to our correspondent.

“Yes, we are aware of the incident but an investigation has commenced and we shall let you know the outcome later,” the police spokesman said.