Police debunk online media reports of abduction of 60 passengers in Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command, on Tuesday, denied reports by some online media that armed bandits abducted 60 passengers along Sokoto-Gusau highway on July 25.
This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state SP Muhammad Shehu.
The attention of Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to the above story trending on social and some conventional media that armed bandits blocked sokoto – Gusau road and abducted 60 people travelling from sokoto to Abuja.
“The command wishes to debunk the story and viewed it as inaccurate and a calculated attempt by some mischief makers to create fear and apprehension into the minds of the general public, especially the commuters.
“For the avoidance of doubt and purpose of clarity, the Command is hereby giving the accurate report of the incident”, the PPRO said.
“On Sunday 25th July, 2021, large number of armed bandits blocked a Toyota Bus Vehicle, belonging to Sokoto State Mass Transit and abducted eleven 11 passengers who were traveling from Sokoto to Abuja along Sokoto – Gusau road in Bakura LGA,” Shehu said.
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“Police Tactical operatives attached to Operation Restore Peace were alerted, and they quickly mobilized to the location and dislodged the hoodlums who blocked many vehicles for abduction.
“The road was instantly cleared for motorists and other road users, and reinforced more police operatives to improve the security and safety of the commuters.
“In the course of mopping up the scene, a Toyota Bus Vehicle belonging to Sokoto State Mass Transit was sighted empty and it was revealed that 11 passengers including the driver were abducted and taken to the bush before the arrival of the police.
“The operatives further embarked on search and rescue operation in the Surrounding bushes with a view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.
“Two persons who were left far behind with other hoodlums were abandoned by their captors for fear of being neutralized by the Police operatives, the remaining nine victims were taken to the forest.
“The command is currently employing various search and rescue strategies aimed at rescuing the victims safely.
“In view of the above, the Command enjoins members of the public to discontenance nance the abduction of 60 people.
” Journalists are urged to always verify the authenticity of any information that comes their way before going to the public,” he advised.
Police debunk online media reports of abduction of 60 passengers in Zamfara
