Police launch manhunt of abductors of 9 people in Sokoto community
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed a late night bandits’ attack on Chacho community in Wurno Local Government Area, just as it launched a manhunt of the fleeing suspects.
Several residents were injured during the attack on the innocent residents of the ill-fated community, which is located just about 22 kilometres away from Sokoto, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, threw the quiet community into a panic mode as the night marauders who were armed to the teeth stormed the village.
Reports indicated that they gained access into the sleepy community via a route linked to the notorious Sabon Birni forest.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the Command had swiftly mobilized it’s operatives to the area.
He added that discreet investigations had also commenced to track down the perpetrators and rescue those abducted.
Rufa’i said, “The Command is aware of the incident and has already swung into action. Tactical teams have been deployed, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of abducted persons.”
A resident said, “We were sleeping outside when the alarm was raised. Everyone started running for safety. We could hear gunshots from different parts of the village.”
Preliminary reports suggest that nine persons, mostly women and elderly men, were abducted.
Rufai assured that the Command remained committed to restoring calm in the area and urged the residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“We appeal to members of the public to provide credible information that can aid ongoing operations,” he said, vowing that the police would continue to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.