JUST IN: Police kill one, arrest two kidnappers in Gombe

The Gombe State Police Command says its collaboration with the local vigilante members and hunters has yielded positive results in the command’s effort at reducing the tide of heinous crimes and criminalities in the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mahid Abubakar, two suspects were nabbed and another was killed while attempting to escape.

He narrated that the incident occurred on August 19, 2022, based on credible information received by the Divisional Police Officer of Pindiga Division, that some suspected kidnappers planned to strike a target around Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area of the state.

“The police patrol team, in collaboration with the vigilante members and hunters, intercepted two suspects at Tudun Kwaya village of Billiri LGA.

“The arrested suspects are one Sani Shehu, male, aged 25 years and Mohammed Adamu, aged 23 years, both male from Dukku LGA of of the state, who were en route their secret rendezvous at Yankari forest,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar disclosed that based on interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Pindiga, Akko LGA. He added, “While preliminary investigation revealed that the kingpin, one Sani Shehu, led the officials to where they hid their weapons inside Yankari forest, one AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, one fabricated sterling rifle, a locally made revolver pistol with a pair of Army camouflage uniform were recovered from the forest.”

Abubakar revealed to our correspondent that Shehu, who attempted to escape, “was hit by a bullet and was rushed to General Hospital Kashere where he was certified dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment. Corpse deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ishola Babaita, has directed that the case be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.”

He further enjoined all peace-loving citizens and residents alike in the state to continue to partner and co-operate with the police by providing useful information on any suspicious individuals or persons in their domain.

Abubakar also assured the citizens that all information given would be treated with utmost confidentiality.