The Albino Foundation Public Notice
By Our Reporters
Fifteen policemen have lost their lives in different locations in Zamfara and Niger States in gun exchanges with bandits.
In the course of the fights 15 bandits were killed while 13 policemen lost their lives during a bandits’ attack on a police formation in Zamfara State, while three civilians were shot dead by the same gang.
Two policemen were also killed while repelling an attack on a community in Niger State. The police, however, killed 10 of the attackers.
In a statement signed by the media aide of Governor Bello Matawalle, Yusuf Idris Gusau, confirmed the killings, he revealed that the Zamfara attack occurred Sunday afternoon at Kurar Mota community, Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.
Residents told our correspondent that the armed men had earlier attempted to invade Magami, a community located 50km south of Gusau, the state capital, but were repelled by soldiers stationed in the settlement.
Magami and its neighbouring villages had had repeated attacks from different bandit groups.
“They withdrew after they were overpowered by the soldiers there. They then rode to a community along Magami-Dankurmi-Dangulbi road killed one person and torched four shops.
“Thereafter, they swiftly move to Kurar Mota community and attacked the police formation near the township clinic. The armed criminals then dashed into the forest.
“The slain officers and the injured ones were conveyed to Gusau on a convoy of police vehicles this afternoon. I saw several police vehicles moving towards the area,” a resident identified as Kabir Dansada said.
Meanwhile 10 bandits were killed as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Niger State Command repelled an attack on Kundu, a community in the Rafi Local Government Area of the state yesterday.
The state Governor, Abubakar Sani, Bello visited the community on Sunday to sympathise with the police officers and appreciate them for their sacrifice.
Bello reiterated the commitment of the state government to helping the force in securing the state.
“I would like to congratulate you for the fine job you are doing and I’m assuring you that whatever you need to discharge your duties more effectively, we will provide it.
“Please, I want you to be frank with you and I will do everything within my power to ensure that you people get what you need,” he said. He also disclosed that the state government had made arrangements for some equipment in combating insecurity, adding that the equipment would arrive soon and be handed to the police in the state.
The governor also visited a military checkpoint at Zungeru cemetery. The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ademola Adedoja and the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Usman.
