Gunmen on Saturday night attacked residents of Tijjani Malumfashi Housing Estate in Malunfashi in Local Government Area of Katsina State where they attempted to kidnap a number of people.

The hoodlums numbering about 50 stormed the area at about 11pm with sophisticated weapons and started shooting into the air on arrival.

The hoodlums, who divided themselves in groups, were said to have gone from house to house, bringing out people before the prompt intervention of the policemen, military personnel and members of vigilante groups.

A reliable source told PUNCH Metro on Sunday that the quick arrival of the police and the military personnel saved the kidnapped persons, including a judge (Alkali Saidu), from being whisked away by the hoodlums.

It was gathered that no fewer than six people were brought out of their respective houses, tied and blindfolded before the arrival of security personnel.

“The Divisional Police Officer in Malumfashi, alongside a team of policemen, soldiers and the vigilante groups, successfully repelled the attack.

“There was heavy exchange of fire between the hoodlums and security personnel for over an hour before they (the gunmen) took to their heels.

“But one of the victims, a prominent businessman, Alhaji Zaharaddeen, popularly known as Danmaliki was shot by the gunmen and is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Kwandala Malumfashi,” the source said.

Meanwhile, residents of the Malumfashi have continued to hail the Divisional Police Officer, Bello Umar, and the military for their timely intervention and gallantry, which prevented the hoodlums from kidnapping many people in the estate.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Katsina Police Command, Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He, however, said that the Command had commenced investigation into the incident and would revert to our correspondent later.

“Yes, we are aware of the incident but investigation has commenced and we shall let you know the outcome later,” the police spokesman said.

Culled from Punch Newspaper