The Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto state, Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad, has denied alleged killing of citizens by armed bandits during an attack on Tofa community in the area.
This is contained in a statement signed by council’s Information Officer, Mr Mode Maidawa, and made available to the newsmen on Thursday in Sokoto.
Muhammad confirmed that a gang of bandits from Alikiru in Sububu Forest of Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State, have passed through Dankare and Dalijan villages before they arrived at Tofa community.
He said the incident occured on Wednesday night where they shoots sporadically the situation they have attracted the attention of combined security personnel.
He explained that a combined team of security personnel that comprised military, Police, Community Guard Corps, and local Vigilantes confronted the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to him, during the encounter, two villagers sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“One of them has since been discharged, while the other is still receiving treatment due to the severity of the injury he sustained,” the Chairman said.
He added that the council authority is covering all medical expenses for the two victims.
The Chairman also disclosed that two female residents of Tofa community were initially reported missing and later confirmed to have been abducted by the bandits.
He noted that the attackers abandoned livestocks which they have earlier rustled from other places as a result of the exchange of fire with security personnel.
Muhammad further dismissed the reports that claimed that many people were killed and abducted during the attack, describing it as false and misleading.
He commended the military, police, community guards, and vigilante groups for their swift response, which helped repel the attackers.
The Chairman assured residents of the administration’s continued commitment to strengthening security in Rabah LGA.
He urged communities to support government and security agencies with reliable information, especially regarding informants living among them.
He further appealed to the public to refrain from politicizing or making insensitive comments on security issues due to their delicate nature.
While commending Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for the special attention and support, he appealed for continues support to the local government areas affected by banditry in the state.
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