The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of four residents and the looting of shops by armed bandits in Gyale village, Mansur District of Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Spokesman of the Command, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the incident occurred late in the night at about 11:30 p.m.
He said the attackers gained access to the community through the Yankari Game Reserve, looted five provision stores, and abducted four persons identified as Tasiu Malam Yahaya (32), Hakilu Ubayo (15), Abdul Aziz Suleiman (28), and Rabiu Ganjua (16).
“All the victims were either shop owners or staff in the affected stores and were taken to an unknown location,” Wakil said.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani Omolori-Aliyu, ordered the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, to launch a manhunt and rescue operation.
“The area is now calm, but our operatives are still combing the surrounding bushes with the aim of rescuing the abducted persons and apprehending the culprits,” Wakil added.
He assured that the police under the leadership of CP Omolori-Aliyu is intensifying efforts to tackle the rising wave of kidnappings and other violent crimes across the state.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons in their communities.
