Written By Abdullahi Jalaludeen; Edited By Godwin Duru
Kano State Police Command says its operatives have rescued nine passengers after armed bandits attacked bus travelling from Jos to Kano along the Jos-Kano highway.
The command said in a statement issued that the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Folgore Forest axis of Doguwa Local Government Area, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, five suspected bandits armed with machetes and a firearm blocked the highway and attacked the vehicle, abducting 13 of the 20 passengers on board.
It said the Divisional Police Officer, Doguwa Division, upon receiving a distress call, immediately mobilized tactical operatives to the scene, where they engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
The command said the swift response led to the rescue of nine victims, while another male victim later escaped from captivity and made his way to safety.
“Unfortunately, three victims remain in captivity, comprising one male and two females,” the statement said.
The rescued victims were evacuated to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, with the command stating that they were all in stable condition.
The police said additional tactical teams had been deployed and intelligence gathering intensified to rescue the remaining captives and apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended motorists and residents for providing timely information that aided the police response.
Bakori reassured residents of the state, particularly women and children, of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging the public to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
The command said investigation into the incident was ongoing and further developments would be communicated to the public.
