By 
By Frank Oshanugor
The Zamfara State Police Command has debunked trending reports in the social and conventional media about abduction of 60 people travelling from Sokoto to Abuja by armed bandits on Gusau Road.
In a statement on Tuesday, Zamfara police spokesman, SP Mohammed Shehu said
the story was inaccurate and a calculated attempt by some mischief makers to create fear and apprehension in 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.”
According to the spokesman, “on Sunday 25th July, 2021, large number of armed bandits blocked a Toyota Bus Vehicle, blonging to Sokoto State Mass Transit and abducted eleven (11) Passengers who were travelling from Sokoto – Abuja along Sokoto – Gusau Road in Bakura LGA.”
“Police Tactical operatives attached to Operation Restore Peace were alerted, and they quickly mobilzed 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.”
He added that “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 eleven (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 sarrounding bush with a view to rescuing the kidnapped victims. Two (2) Persons who were left far behind with other hoodlums were abandoned by their captors for fear of being neutralised by the Police operatives, the remaining nine (9) 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 enjoined members of the public to discontenance the abduction of 60 people. On the other hand, members of the press are urged to always verify the authenticity of any information that comes their way before going to the public”
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