Bandits reportedly killed 4 people including the son of a Commissioner last night in Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
Daily Trust reports that the assailants invaded the town in their numbers and started shooting sporadically at residents.
The son of the State’s Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, DIG Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe was caught in the crossfire.
The town of Tsafe and several other communities of the state have witnessed series of attacks relating to banditry and kidnapping in recent times.
Barely a month ago, unknown bandits shot and killed a Muezzin while he was calling the Subhi prayer in Magazu, a community 5km south of Tsafe town.
It is believed that the bandits were fleeing military operations in some states. They are therefore gradually converging on and turning of Tsafe Local Government to their new haven.
Daily Trust reports that terrorists wearing military uniforms, stormed Shiyar Namada area close to the commissioner’s residence and opened fire on people.
According to a resident identified as Umar, “Some residents who had earlier spotted them took them for security operatives on routine patrol. So, they didn’t bother to raise the alarm.
“The commissioner’s son, alongside some other people, were seated at the frontage of his father’s residence during Iftar (breaking of fast) when suddenly the armed men showed up and started shooting at everyone in sight.
“During the attack, most people observing Tarawih prayer in several mosques around the area and residents had to flee for safety. The armed men later withdrew into the forest.
As I’m talking to you, I’m at the Waziri’s residence where preparations for the funeral for the dead are underway.”
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Ayuba N Elkanah said in a statement that the Police Commissioner, SP Muhammad Shehu has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives to Tsafe.
The statement: “The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Police Command, CP Ayuba N. Elkanah, early this morning visited Tsafe town to commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of bandits’ attack on Tsafe town.
“He was there to also assess the existing security emplacement of the area with a view to deploying re-enforcement that would forestall future attacks on Tsafe and its environs.
“While in Tsafe, the commissioner condoled with the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe (retd) and families of other victims of the attack.
“The commissioner of police further directed the State CID to conduct discreet investigation with a view to unravelling the deadly attack.
“He also assured that the deployment of additional joint tactical teams would go a long way in improving the security and safety of Tsafe and its environs.
“He called on the residents to improve their synergy with the security operatives, by giving credible and timely information on activities of armed criminals.”
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