How a Nigerian governor joined in the rescue of abducted civilians
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, joined a joint operation comprising security personnel and military troops to foil an attack by armed bandits on the residents of Zakka village in Safana Local Government Area.
During the joint operation, which Governor Radda witnessed, a 33-year-old man abducted by armed bandits was rescued, according to a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
Kaula Mohammed said his principal was in Safana local government on Saturday to flag off an empowerment programme sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly when he received a distress security call of a planned attack on Zakka village by terrorists.
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“After the intelligence report on the planned terrorist attack was revealed to Governor Radda around 1 pm, he immediately called off his involvement in the colourful empowerment programme of the Katsina House of Assembly Deputy Speaker.
“Mr Governor and a few members of his entourage then joined a combined team of security personnel, comprising men of the Nigerian Police, Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, ground troops of the Nigerian Army, and personnel of the Community Watch Corps, to engage the terrorists at Zakka Forest before the criminals advanced to the hills.
“A 33-year-old man was bravely rescued by the gallant troops after a heavy gun battle with the terrorists, which lasted almost 30 minutes. The terrorists were fortunate to escape without suffering any casualties after their callous mission was thwarted.
“After repelling the bandits, Governor Radda directed that the abducted man rescued by troops be taken to the hospital for urgent treatment, as he was shot in the leg by the bandits,” he said.
A cross-section of people in the area interviewed expressed happiness over the quick response from the governor and hoped for its sustenance.
They said the action displayed by the governor has clearly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to fighting insecurity in the state.