The Zamfara State police command has confirmed the abduction of nine women and children from Wanzamai village in Tsafe LGA of the state.
The victims were reportedly abducted by bandits while they were fetching firewood in the forest.
The police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, in a statement on Saturday, clarified that the number of abductees being circulated in the media was false.
He urged the public to disregard the outrageous figures and stated that the police had commenced a search and rescue operation for the victims.
“The command urges the public to disregard the outrageous figures being circulated in some sections of the media,” the statement reads.
“The commissioner of police, Zamfara state police, CP Kolo Yusuf psc, has reassured the public especially families of the abducted women and children of Wanzamai Village in Tsafe LGA of the state that, the command in collaboration with the military and vigilantes are making tireless efforts to rescue the victims hale and hearty and reunite them with their families/relations.
“Information received by the command from the village head of Wanzamai revealed that about nine (9) women and children left their homes to the bush to fetch firewood. As they moved deep into the forest, they were accosted and abducted to an unknown destination by bandits.
“On receipt of the report, nearby joint police and other security agencies mobilised to the scene and commenced a search and rescue operation with a view to rescuing the hostages and arresting the assailants. The commissioner of police further deployed an additional police tactical team to complement the ongoing rescue mission.”
